the Silk road

Post date: 15-August-2025

• Macclesfield, UK, was indeed a pioneering center for Jacquard silk weaving, with the first silk-throwing mill established in 1743. While Charles Roe's mill wasn't Jacquard weaving, it laid the foundation for the industry that later embraced the technology. Paradise Mill, now part of the Silk Museum, houses the largest collection of Jacquard silk handlooms in Europe, showcasing the town's significant role in this weaving innovation. 

• Elaboration:

  • Early Silk Industry:
    Macclesfield's silk industry began with the establishment of the first silk-throwing mill by Charles Roe in 1743. This mill, while not employing Jacquard technology, marked the beginning of Macclesfield's rise as a prominent silk manufacturing center. 

Images

Seethalakshmi advert

Dharmavaram lady weaver

Sreenivasulu thatha

The Silk Road sign

Warp and Weft shots

Vinay against loom pic - silk (An angavastram is a traditional Indian garment, specifically a shoulder cloth or stole, often worn by men. It's a rectangular piece of fabric, sometimes with decorated borders, and is commonly paired with a dhoti and kurta. Angavastrams are also presented as a mark of respect to guests, elders, and gurus. 

• Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • What it is:
    An angavastram is a single, unstitched piece of cloth, usually made of silk or cotton, that is draped over the shoulders or upper body. With decorative pure gold zari border.

  • How it's worn:
    It's typically worn over a dhoti (a garment wrapped around the lower body) and a kurta (a long shirt). 

  • Cultural significance:
    In many Indian traditions, particularly in Maharashtra and South India, the angavastram is a symbol of respect and is often offered as a gesture of honor. )

A1 poster of the jacqaurd loom

B/W image - A simple silk throwing frame where the continuous filament from the top/horizontal bobbin is pulled onto the vertical/bottom bobbin, A flyer round the bottom bobbin inserts a twist 

Jacqaurd lady - lone weaver. Pic courtesy: Science Museum Group Collection 

Dharmavaram silk sarees - 2 images - colour

Miniature jacqaurd loom - VIDEO

Dharmavaram weaver - Photo: Maheshwara Raju

YOUTUBE links - Model Power Loom videos - https://youtube.com/shorts/nN7kXUFiVeo?feature=share

Join Vinay Jalla on a fascinating visit to the Silk Museum in Macclesfield, home to Britain’s rich silk weaving heritage. In this video, Vinay explores the history of silk production and showcases a unique miniature spectacle – the Model Power Loom, a working model with four heald shafts made by Mr. W. Bailey. This remarkable piece won first prize at the Macclesfield exhibition in 1938 and continues to inspire visitors today.

Discover the craftsmanship, innovation, and cultural legacy behind Macclesfield’s silk industry, and see how the Silk Museum preserves this heritage for future generations.

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Keywords naturally included: Silk Museum Macclesfield, Model Power Loom, silk weaving history, Macclesfield silk heritage, Vinay Jalla.

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