Friday, 13th of February turned out to be an auspicious day for the group of members, who visited Lytham Hall and the newly refurbished Harris Museum and Art Gallery. The latter was so popular that many members felt they would return later in the year.
As well as having a large collection of paintings, perfume bottles and a Foucault Pendulum, the gallery has a local history section. The model of the huge Horrockses’ factory and an exhibition of its products was quite a talking point. The factory began in 1791, mainly producing cotton products. It gradually expanded, chiefly continuing with this cotton tradition.
In 1946 it brought out its first collection of ready-to-wear fashions. These became instantly popular.
They made everything in women’s cotton clothing from shirtwaisters to evening dresses. This huge popularity was sustained from 1946 to 1964. Interest began to decline then, even though fashion products were produced until the 80s. The firm also diversified into bedding and many of us remembered the sheets, which they produced.
It was the fashion, which members particularly remembered. Here we have a photograph of one of our members on a family picnic. They are all wearing
Horrockses’ dresses. Mary Allinson is the youngest in the centre . She remembers her dress was blue. Also included is a pink Horrockses’ cotton dress. This is on display at the museum.
The location of the mill is now being developed for housing.
