Boom and Bust in Cotton Manufacturing: The Holden Weaving Mills of Blackburn

I enjoyed reading this personal piece of social history. The text details an interesting perspective on the rise and eventual demise of the cotton industry in Blackburn through the lens of one family owned and managed business. Of particular value is the clear presentation of the environmental, economic and political forces affecting both the industry and Holden Mills during the time of Boom and Bust (1921 to 1939). Family history and involvement with the enterprise are punctuated with some broader commercial and industrial relations issues. The attempt by the employers to move from the traditional, industry standard, of the four loom system to an eight loom system is one such issue. The ensuing resistance and strike by the weavers being eventually resolved by acceptance and introduction of a six loom system. This episode alone provides food for thought.

Amidst the plethora of texts which address cotton manufacturing in British economic history there are few which give voice to individual employers. This is an engaging read, written as a memoir focusing on the challenges faced by one family business in Blackburn. The Editor succeeds in bringing his father’s story to life with family pictures, recollections and even an interview with a former employee. A fascinating perspective of life in a town dominated by weaving emerges.