“Old or New, Everything in our Shawl Factory has an Important Use.”
Fashion Revolution Week is a global movement for a more sustainable and transparent fashion industry. Last year we honoured the extraordinary work done by our wonderfully talented staff and gave all of our customers an insight into how their shawls are made. This year, during FRW 2020, our aim is to be transparent and highlight little things that make a big difference to the way we work and the products we produce. Our heritage is a large part of what makes G.H.Hurt & Son what it is today, but to continue using valuable machines and tools, is also a sustainable way of thinking, which we have pursued for over 100+ years.
So, to celebrate sustainability, which is also part of our heritage, we have produced a selection of short videos, with audio commentary, to express how everything in our Shawl Factory has a purpose, no matter how old or new.
Each of the items in our Shawl Factory tell a story…
Office Calender
“My grandfather Henry Hurt, remembers this wonderful old calendar being in the office when he started here in the 1950’s, meaning that this has been an integral part of the office for at least four generations. The date is altered at the start of every morning and its simplicity to read sets it apart from the modern technology beside it.”
Much Loved "Shell Edger"
“This beautiful vintage machine was bought by Henry Hurt in 1953 and works perfectly to this day. Although we have a later model, this remains our hand finishers favourite machine. It is used to put the pretty edge on our ‘Leaves and Flowers Baby Shawl.”
Original Handframe Knitters Tools
“These original tools were used by the community of Handframe knitters that started in our ‘Shawl Factory’ in 1912. The knitters were also skilled mechanics and learned how to maintain their machines. This is a needle dye cast which was used by the knitters and is still employed today in order to make replacement needles for our working Handframes.”
Lace Pattern Mending Hooks
“Around the Shawl Factory, many old and vintage tins are used. Never thrown away, these are always recycled for other purposes. Our mending hooks are kept in this lovely old biscuit tin. These old mending hooks have been used for many years and are difficult to get hold of today. The mender is able to pick up any dropped stitch by hand, making the finished piece perfect. It takes a number of years to learn all of our intricate patterns in detail and is very much a skilled craft."
Our First “LIUM” Machine
“This "LIUM" was the first powered machine Henry Hurt brought into our Shawl Factory in 1963, as we began to transition from handframe knitting machines. We adapted these mechanical machines to create our unique fine lacy knitting. They produce some of our most popular patterns to this day."
Our Newest Embroidery Machine
“Sustainability is an important aspect of our business. We continue to use old machines, not only for their unique capabilities, but because we like to keep them running. We also innovate with new technology where appropriate. Like this embroidery machine, introduced for personalisation of our knitted blankets. Who knows, with time, this may become one of our vintage machines."
“Old or new, everything in our Shawl Factory has an important use.”
All of these machine and tools, as well as many other our items, create something of true value in our Shawl Factory and are made to last. Just as our Baby Shawls and Knitted Men's and Women's Scarves are made to last and be loved, and to be passed down from generation to generation.
