These images and notes really show the contrasts that are to be found in the world of textiles.
Often thought of as feminine and domestic – pretty and decorative, this is the harsh, brutal side of textiles. The people who worked the factories making the cloth and the garments had a difficult, dirty and poverty stricken life. I found much evidence of this too when I was researching my dissertation, particularly in the corsetry industry and amongst dressmakers and garment finishers.
Did anyone see ‘Made in Dagenham’? A must see! This was in the late 60’s, so recently were women fighting for equality and fair conditions at work.
Quinary 
I was particularly interested in this film as I was working for Ford Motor Company at this time and enjoyed a considerable pay increase as a result of their action.