A stone mangle, linen production, Victorian period

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

A stone mangle, linen production, Victorian period

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 32384096

© The Keasbury-Gordon Photograph Archive / Mary Evans

Cotton Flax Linen Mangle Mill Textile Yarn

EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time with this image of a stone mangle from the Victorian period, showcasing the intricate process of linen production. The stone mangle, a vital component in the production of high-quality linen, is depicted here in all its vintage glory. During the Victorian era, linen was a staple fabric for the upper and middle classes due to its cool, breathable properties, making it ideal for clothing and household textiles. The production process was labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring several stages to transform raw flax into finished linen. In this photograph, we see a skilled worker carefully feeding a freshly-woven linen cloth through the stone mangle. The mangle, made of heavy stone, was used to press and smooth out the fabric, removing excess water and wrinkles. The process was repeated multiple times to ensure the linen was perfectly flat and smooth. The scene is further enhanced by the presence of a lantern slide projector and a stack of lantern slides on a nearby table. These slides would have been used to project images, possibly for educational or entertainment purposes, adding an element of intrigue to the image. Surrounding the stone mangle are various textiles, baskets of cotton yarn, and a spool of flax. The textile mill or factory in the background hints at the industrial scale of linen production during this era. This photograph is a captivating snapshot of the past, offering a glimpse into the intricate world of Victorian linen production. The stone mangle, with its timeless design and essential role in the process, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the era.

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