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Hand block printing at Crysede Island Works, St Ives, Cornwall. Probably 1930s
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Hand block printing at Crysede Island Works, St Ives, Cornwall. Probably 1930s
Alec Walker left Mirfield, Yorkshire, in 1918 to set up a small experimental textile factory in Newlyn where wood-block printed silk fabrics and garments were designed and manufactured. By 1925 the Crysede venture had become a successful craft industry, employing many local people, which required larger premises. In 1926 the works moved to the former Western Pilchard cellar at the base of The Island in St Ives, where this photograph was taken. Photographer: Unknown
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TRURI : IVScr.3
Media ID 18213482
© From the collection of the RIC
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a moment in time at the Crysede Island Works in St Ives, Cornwall, during the 1930s. The image showcases the intricate art of hand block printing, a technique that revolutionized textile manufacturing. Established by Alec Walker in 1918, this experimental textile factory initially operated from Newlyn before relocating to its current location on The Island in St Ives in 1926. The former Western Pilchard cellar provided ample space for the growing craft industry. In this snapshot, we see skilled artisans meticulously working with wood-block prints on silk fabrics and garments. Their nimble fingers move swiftly across the fabric as they transfer vibrant patterns onto it using traditional hand blocks. Each artisan's dedication to their craft is evident as they bring these exquisite designs to life. The atmosphere within the workshop is bustling yet serene; sewing machines hum softly in harmony with conversations between workers engaged in dressmaking activities. This thriving community of local people found employment through Crysede's success. While little is known about the photographer behind this remarkable image, their lens beautifully captures an era when craftsmanship reigned supreme and creativity flourished within Cornwall's textile industry. Today, this historic photograph serves as a testament to Crysede's legacy and contribution to Cornish textiles—a reminder of an era when passion for artistry merged seamlessly with commercial success without compromising quality or authenticity.
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