Clothing Industry Collection

Maddocks "Belwarp" Serges and Coatings, 1890. Creator: Unknown. Maddocks "Belwarp" Serges
Maddocks "Belwarp" Serges and Coatings, 1890. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 42. July to December, 1890

Steam Sewing-Machines, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Steam Sewing-Machines, 1854. The machine-room of the firm of Holloway, Crowe, and Holloway, ...wholesale clothes manufacturers, Stroud, Gloucestershire...Here are twenty machines in work

The Establishment of the Flemish Weavers in Manchester in 1363, 1888 (tempera on panel)
MAN62935 The Establishment of the Flemish Weavers in Manchester in 1363, 1888 (tempera on panel) by Brown, Ford Madox (1821-93); 27.1x55.9 cm; Manchester Art Gallery

Meeting of striking tailors and dressmakers at the Paris Labour Exchange (colour litho)
2782178 Meeting of striking tailors and dressmakers at the Paris Labour Exchange (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Feast of St Catherine, patron saint of clothing workers (colour litho)
2779983 Feast of St Catherine, patron saint of clothing workers (colour litho) by French School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Feast of St Catherine)

Women making corsets, 1884 (engraving)
SLS251304 Women making corsets, 1884 (engraving) by American School, (19th century); Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University; eSchlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute

Women working in the Royal Army Clothing Factory, First World War, 1914-1918, (1933). Uniforms were sent to the WaC [Womens Army Auxiliary Corps] clothing stores where they were unpacked, measured

Sorting uniforms at the WaC clothing store, First World War, 1914-1918, (1933). Creator: Unknown
Sorting uniforms at the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps clothing store, First World War, 1914-1918, (1933). Uniforms were sent to the WaC clothing stores where they were unpacked, measured, tested

Female workers at a negligee factory in midtown Manhattan, New York, USA, 1920s. Artist
Female workers at a negligee factory in midtown Manhattan, New York, USA, 1920s

Tailor, 16th century (1849). Artist: Jost Amman
Tailor, 16th century (1849). A 19th century version based on an original 16th century wood engraving. From Le Moyen Age et la Renaissance, by Paul Lacroix, Ferdinand Sere and A Rivaud

Manufacturing silk, Syria, 1900s. Artist: Underwood & Underwood
Manufacturing silk, Syria, 1900s. Women gather silk-ends, as finely spun as cobwebs, and connect them to reels. Stereoscopic slide (detail)

Central hall of the Royal Army Clothing Depot, Pimlico, c1880. A print from Great Industries of Great Britain, Volume I, published by Cassell Petter and Galpin, (London, Paris, New York, c1880)

G Ricordi e C Leopoldo Metlicovitz Copertoni ImpermeabiEttore Moretti
G. Ricordi e C, Leopoldo Metlicovitz, Copertoni Impermeabili - Ettore Moretti, Milano, paper, lithograph, part (two-part poster): height: 140.5 cm; width: 99 cm, monogrammed: in print lower left: LM

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The clothing industry has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. From the establishment of the Flemish Weavers in Manchester in 1363 to the striking tailors and dressmakers at the Paris Labour Exchange in 1888, this industry has witnessed significant milestones. In celebration of St Catherine, patron saint of clothing workers, vibrant lithographs capture the essence of unity among these skilled individuals. The dedication and craftsmanship are further showcased through engravings depicting women meticulously making corsets in 1884. During World War I, female workers played a crucial role in supporting their nations' armies. Whether it was working at the Royal Army Clothing Factory or sorting uniforms at WaC clothing store, their contribution was invaluable. These images from 1914-1918 provide a glimpse into their determination and resilience. Across borders, even midtown Manhattan saw its fair share of bustling negligee factories during the 1920s. Female workers tirelessly labored to create exquisite garments that would adorn women across America. Traveling back in time to the 16th century, we encounter Jost Amman's portrayal of a tailor immersed in his craft. This illustration serves as a reminder that tailoring skills have been honed for centuries and continue to be cherished today. Silk manufacturing also holds an important place within this industry's narrative. Underwood & Underwood's photographs from Syria depict intricate processes involved in creating this luxurious fabric during the early 1900s. Within central hallways adorned with history lies Pimlico's Royal Army Clothing Depot from around 1880—a testament to how establishments dedicated themselves to outfitting soldiers throughout generations. Even amidst times of conflict like World War I, attention was given to prisoners of war who required appropriate attire on Champs-Elysees streets—highlighting compassion within an otherwise tumultuous period.