This film is part of Free

Cotton Spinning at Osborne Mill, Oldham

A close look at the spinning mule - a vital cog in the workings of the Lancashire cotton industry.

Documentary 1971 13 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for North West Film Archive

Overview

This excellent film record takes a close look at cotton spinning in action, at Osborne Mill in Chadderton, Oldham. The narrator describes the complex workings of the spinning mule, a vital part in the development of the Lancashire cotton industry. We also see the mill engine and gears, which power the mules, and watch the mill workers who skilfully manage and maintain the machinery.

This is only a cutting copy, as the film was never completed. A new soundtrack was recorded by Dr Richard Hills in 2004, and this is used here.