workers attending a machine in Early Blanket Mill

This evocative photograph captures a moment of quiet intensity in one of Witney’s historic blanket mills, around the year 1922. Located in a region long renowned for its woolen goods, especially blankets, Witney was a hub of textile production from as early as the Middle Ages.

Here, several workers are seen operating and feeding wool into a mechanical carding machine—an essential step in preparing raw wool for spinning. The intricate system of gears and pulleys in the foreground showcases the blend of industrial ingenuity and manual labor that defined British textile mills of the early 20th century. The room is filled with flecks of wool and a sense of rhythm from the turning wheels, vibrating belts, and concentrated effort.

The men, mostly young, wear flat caps and heavy-duty clothing—attire typical of the working class in industrial Britain. Their posture and expressions hint at the repetitive, labor-intensive nature of the job.

Witney’s wool industry would continue to thrive until the late 20th century, when economic shifts and global competition led to its decline. Today, images like this preserve the legacy of the town's proud manufacturing past.

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