HUDDERSFIELD
TEXTILE SOCIETY

OUR HISTORY

 

Regular lectures, exhibitions, and student contributions (e.g., showing patterns, winning prizes in textile manufacture and design) promoted learning and innovation.​

 

The Journal served as a long-term record of technical knowledge and discussions, building continuity across generations.​

 

Awards and prizes encouraged excellence in textile skills.

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Partnerships with local and national textile bodies, as well as international engagement (e.g., IWS, ICI Fibres), strengthened its influence.​

 

Social aspects—annual dinners, entertainment, and inviting mayors and presidents—built wider community ties.​

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Focus on exports, nationalisation, and quality standards reflected the Society’s role in shaping industry practices.​ Post-war, it embraced change, such as the first lecture by a woman (though not repeated for years) and adoption of new fibres (e.g., Terylene).​​

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OUR FUTURE

 

Preserving Industry Heritage:

The Society’s history provides lessons in resilience, adaptation, and professional pride within textiles.

 

Education & Skills Development:

Its tradition of prizes, lectures, and journals shows the importance of investing in future generations of textile innovators.

 

Community & Professional Networks:

Maintaining a strong, connected membership fosters collaboration and innovation in changing industries.

 

Adaptability to Change:

Just as it adjusted after WWII and with new technologies, the Society’s example encourages openness to modern challenges like sustainability, automation, and global trade.

 

Recognition & Standards:

Its role in celebrating excellence and upholding quality remains vital in ensuring the textile industry’s relevance and competitiveness.