Linen manufacture, Bleaching house

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Linen manufacture, Bleaching house

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Media ID 32384006

© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans

Bleaching Cotton Flax Linen Manufacture Mill

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Step back in time with this image from The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive Collection, showcasing the intricate process of linen manufacture in a Victorian-era bleaching house. The soft glow of the lantern illuminates the vast, dimly lit space, where stacks of freshly woven linen fabric are carefully arranged, awaiting the transformative power of the bleaching process. Linen, derived from the fibers of the flax plant, has been a prized textile for centuries due to its natural luster and breathability. The meticulous process of linen manufacture involved several stages, including retting, scutching, hackling, spinning, and weaving. Once the fabric was woven, it was transported to the bleaching house for the final stage of production. In this image, we see the bleaching house in full swing. Workers, dressed in protective clothing, carefully load the linen onto long tables, where it is spread out to dry. The tables are positioned near large open windows, allowing the sun's rays to bleach the fabric naturally. For cloudy days, large lanterns like the one in the foreground were used to provide additional light. The atmosphere in the bleaching house is a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the mill or factory floor. The quiet, methodical process of bleaching allowed the workers to focus on the delicate task at hand, ensuring that each piece of linen emerged from the bleaching house with an even, pristine white finish. This vintage lantern slide offers a rare glimpse into the world of linen manufacture during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, a time when textile production was a labor-intensive, artisanal craft. The intricate process, from growing the flax to weaving and bleaching the fabric, required a deep understanding of natural fibers and a commitment to quality that is rarely seen in today's mass-produced textiles.

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