Description
The firm, Crabtree Bros. Ltd., specialised in dyeing and finishing heavy fustians, mainly moleskins, and related fabrics such as Bedford Cords, Whipcords and Cavalry twills. The firm didn't process corduroys or other pile fabrics. Much of the production was used for traditional protective clothing in heavy industry and many othe rindustrial applications.
These pictures were taken during the week before the mill closed for good, probably during the 1970s. The mill was not used again and was eventually demolished and replaced with housing.
Here the operative is mixing the ingredients prior to application to un-dyed cloth - a process known as "selfing".