The sculpture, by Mike Williams, is of a “fustian knife”, which also serves as a giant sundial gnomon (shadow caster). Fustian knives were used in the manufacture of corduroy, a fabric for which Hebden Bridge was known throughout the world.
Demonstration by Alan Greenwood at the Alternative Technology Centre, Hebden Bridge. June 2009. Maralyn Welham in the brown coat, Mary Atkinson beside her and Tony Wright in the background.
The fustian cutter's table. Demonstration by Alan Greenwood at the Alternative Technology Centre, Hebden Bridge. June 2009. The fustian cutter's table.
The fustian cutter's knife. Demonstration by Alan Greenwood at the Alternative Technology Centre, Hebden Bridge. June 2009. The fustian cutter's table.
The mill behind Hangingroyd Lane is now known as the Artsmill founded in 2003. Originally it was a purpose built clothing factory, c.1905, producing ready made fustian garments, that is heavy cotton workware such as corduroys and moleskins for which…
Built by the Hebden Bridge Fustian Manufacturing Society a commercially successful co-operative. It was taken over by the Co-operative Wholesale Society after the First World War. Production of fustians ceased in the 1960s. Today it is once again…
Possibly John Hartley, hand cutting corduroy. Taken in the yard of C.W.S. Nutclough Mill. Photo donated to Mr Barker of the C.W.S. by S.G. Hellowell of Cragg Vale.
HLS05096. Working a band knife at Nutclough Mill c.1890. The machinists behind working treadle sewing machines. As well as textile mills Hebden Bridge also had a sizeable wholesale clothing trade making ready-to-wear garments. These were mainly made…
HLS05097. Band knife cutters. As well as textile mills Hebden Bridge also had a sizeable wholesale clothing trade making ready-to-wear garments. These were mainly made of corduroy or other heavy fustians such as moleskins for heavy work wear but in…