Hackling Collection

Fine Hand Hackling and Sorting Yarn in a Spinning Mill - an interior shot showing a man hackling flax by hand at a bench by a window. (Location: Ireland). Date: circa early 1900s

A hackling machine, linen production, Victorian period Date: late 19th century

Linen manufacture, Hackling machine Date: late 19th century

Tread-Wheel and Oakum-Shed at the City Prison, Holloway
STC101348 Tread-Wheel and Oakum-Shed at the City Prison, Holloway, from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes of Prison Life by Henry Mayhew (1812-87) and John Binny

Hackling Flax - an interior view of a man pulling flax fibre over a pointed base. (Location: Ireland). Date: circa early 1900s

Carding and Spinning - a view of an old woman spinning, using a spinning wheel and a young girl hackling sitting outside a thatched cottage. (Location: Ireland). Date: circa early 1900s

Hackling Yarn in a North of Ireland Spinning Mill - a view in a linen factory of a man operating a hackling machine. (Location: Ireland). Date: circa early 1900s

Hackling Flax By Hand for Hand Spinning
Hackling Flax By Hand forHand Spinning - an outside shot showing a man hackling flax beside a spinning wheel and a woman looking on. (Location: Northern Ireland: County Londonderry: Toomebridge)

Tread-Wheel and Oakum-Shed at the City Prison, Holloway, from The Criminal Prisons of London
XJF447326 Tread-Wheel and Oakum-Shed at the City Prison, Holloway, from The Criminal Prisons of London and Scenes of Prison Life by Henry Mayhew and John Binny, 1862 (engraving) by English School

Hackling Flax by hand. The stalks were broken apart by beating down on a metal comb. They were then retted (rotted) in water to remove the soft tissue, leaving the fibrous material

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In the Victorian period, hackling played a crucial role in linen production. Fine Hand Hackling and Sorting Yarn in a Spinning Mill was an intricate process that required skill and precision. A hackling machine was used to separate the fibers of flax, preparing them for spinning into yarn. The Tread-Wheel and Oakum-Shed at the City Prison, Holloway, showcased how even prisoners were involved in this labor-intensive task. It was evident that hackling flax by hand required immense physical strength as stalks were broken apart by beating down on a metal comb. Hackling Flax By Hand for Hand Spinning demonstrated the dedication of individuals who meticulously prepared each fiber for textile production. This attention to detail ensured high-quality linen products. Carding and Spinning also played significant roles in the overall manufacturing process. These steps transformed raw materials into usable yarns through careful combing and twisting techniques. A glimpse into Hackling Yarn in a North of Ireland Spinning Mill highlighted regional variations in textile industries during this era. Each area had its own unique methods but shared a common goal - producing fine linens. The Criminal Prisons of London shed light on how even correctional facilities incorporated hackling as part of their work programs. The tread-wheel served not only as punishment but also as an opportunity for inmates to contribute to society's needs.