Horrockses was one of Britain’s largest cotton manufacturers. Its brand slogan, Horrockses - The Greatest Name in Cotton, was known around the world. The Preston company produced a huge range of cotton fabrics, from 1791 until the 1960s, winning international awards for their products.
This particular loom provided them with sample cloths to test a new design before it was put into mass production. It was also used to promote the Horrockses brand demonstrating weaving at fairs, exhibitions and special events. These small looms were used throughout Lancashire mills for this purpose, but they survive in relatively small numbers so this is an unusual find.
"This is a really exciting donation for the museum and the city," said Emma Heslewood, Keeper of History at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery. "We knew that at least one Horrockses sample loom had existed from our knowledge of the company and oral testimonies from former staff – so we’re delighted to have found it."
"It helps us to tell the story of Horrockses within the museum and the development of the brand and products they produced."
The loom is painted gold and is fixed to a yellow crate which acts as a plinth but also houses the mechanical workings which power the machine.
Visitors can see it on display alongside other Horrockses objects and paintings - including the model of the Horrockses Yard Works site - within the Story of Preston Gallery at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery.
The Harris would also like to hear from anyone who remembers using the sample loom or has any memories of it being used at Horrockses. If you have any information please contact Emma Heslewood on 01772 905406.
