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A squeezing machine, linen production, Victorian period
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A squeezing machine, linen production, Victorian period
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 32384012
© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans
Cotton Flax Linen Loom Mill Squeezing Textile Yarn
EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time to the Victorian era and witness the intriguing process of linen production as depicted in this photograph from The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive Collection, available at Mary Evans Prints Online. In this vintage image, a skilled worker operates a squeezing machine, a crucial component in the transformation of raw flax into fine linen fabric. During the Victorian and Edwardian periods, the textile industry experienced a significant boom, with linen production being a major contributor. Linen, made from the fibers of the flax plant, was a popular choice for clothing, tablecloths, and bedding due to its breathability and durability. The squeezing machine played a pivotal role in the production process. After the flax fibers had been retted, or soaked in water to soften them, they were then carded, or brushed, to align the fibers. The fibers were then spun into yarn on a spinning jenny or a more advanced spinning machine. The yarn was then woven on a loom to create a rough fabric, which was then passed through the squeezing machine. The squeezing machine, a marvel of Victorian engineering, applied pressure to the rough fabric, pressing out the water and impurities, resulting in a smoother, denser fabric. The worker in the photograph can be seen carefully adjusting the machine's settings, ensuring the perfect amount of pressure is applied to the fabric. This lantern slide offers a unique glimpse into the early days of the industrial revolution and the textile industry. The intricate details of the machine, the focused expression of the worker, and the dimly lit workshop all contribute to a sense of wonder and appreciation for the craftsmanship and innovation of the past.
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