Rights Managed > Royal Cornwall Museum > Places > St Ives
Local girls modelling Crysede silk dresses, St Ives, Cornwall. Around 1927
Filename: TRURI-IVScr-5.tiff
Size: 4365 x 3750 (49.1MB)
Date: 3rd December 2018
Source: Royal Cornwall Museum
County: Cornwall
Location Name: 50.208386, -5.490886
© From the collection of the RIC
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Royal Cornwall Museum
Local girls modelling Crysede silk dresses, St Ives, Cornwall. Around 1927
Phyllis Hicks, later manageress of the St Ives shop and married to Tom Firth, one time chief dyer, is second from left. Designs include Dancing Flower (left), Madron Carn (second from left) and Confetti (seated). Crysede linen curtains printed with the Primitive design hang in the background. Alec Walker left Mirfield, Yorkshire, in 1918 to set up a small experimental textile factory in Newlyn where wood-block printed silk fabrics and garments were designed and manufactured. By 1925 the Crysede venture had become a successful craft industry, employing many local people, which required larger premises. In 1926 the works moved to the Island Works housed in the former Western Pilchard cellar at the base of The Island in St Ives. Photographer: Unknown
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TRURI : IVScr.5
Media ID 18213478
© From the collection of the RIC
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a moment in time, showcasing local girls from St Ives, Cornwall modelling exquisite Crysede silk dresses. The year is estimated to be around 1927, when the Crysede venture had already established itself as a successful craft industry in the area. Amongst the models stands Phyllis Hicks, who would later become the manageress of the St Ives shop and marry Tom Firth, one-time chief dyer. She can be seen second from left, radiating elegance and grace. The dresses themselves are works of art, each displaying unique designs that showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of this pioneering textile factory. From left to right we see Dancing Flower, Madron Carn, and Confetti patterns adorning these stunning garments. Intriguingly placed in the background are Crysede linen curtains printed with the Primitive design. These curtains add an extra touch of beauty to the scene while highlighting another facet of Crysede's expertise. Alec Walker is credited for founding this experimental textile factory back in 1918 when he left Mirfield, Yorkshire behind. His vision led him to Newlyn where he began producing wood-block printed silk fabrics and garments. By 1925 his venture had blossomed into a thriving industry that employed numerous locals. In 1926, seeking larger premises for expansion purposes, Crysede relocated its operations to Island Works - formerly known as Western Pilchard cellar - at The Island in St Ives.
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