Hatworks Collection

W Moult and J Fidler, workers at hatworks
Ernest Battersby took a number of photogrpahs of employees at the family hatworks in Stockport, and noted their names as well

Body pounding machine at Battersbys hatworks - the castnig on it identifies it as locally made, and the background is incredibly untidy! Date: 1902

Firemen at Battersbys hatworks were obviously employed in house, and despite the equipment being satisfactory, when a fire broke out in 1906 there was insufficient water pressure in the mains to be

Hatworks employee at Battersbys factory identified by the photographer as Christopher Tipping, smartly turned out but with a less imposing backdrop. Date: 1902

Blocking shop at Battersbys hatworks - the felt hat on the right awaits further forming. Note the massive chain drive on the machine on the left. Date: 1902

Machine plank shop at Battersbys hatworks - the top end where more exposed drive belts run next to a table with hundreds of felt cones await the next stage of the manufacturing process Date: 1902

Plank shop at Battersbys hatworks showing formed felt cones, te basis for a fur felt hat. Note the huge amount of pipework, and the exposed belt drives to the machinery. Date: 1902

Settling Machine at Battersbys hatworks with Walter Battersby on right. Obviously not a hurried process, whatever it involved. Date: 1902

Strimping Machine at Battersbys hatworks, another solid piece of machinery bearing the makers name Date: 1902

Tipstitcher machine at Battersbys hatworks - a fantastic piece of solid engineering, obviously built to last! Date: 1902

Belgian machine at Battersbys hatworks - designed to be beltdriven, and apparently recently assembled, judging by the spanner left on its base. Date: 1902

Hardening machine at Battersbys hatworks in Stockport. Note the exposed drive belts in use at the time Date: 1902

Brim Press machine at hatworks in Offerton, Stockport in June 1908. Date: 1908

Singeing machine at hatworks in Offerton, Stockport in June 1908. Date: 1908

Sewing machine at hatworks
Photographed at Battersbys hat factory in Turncroft Lane, Offerton Stockport, note the industrial sized cotton reel on top of the sewing maching. Date: circa 1906

Printing Machine at hatworks
Photographed at Battersbys hat factory in Turncroft Lane, Offerton Stockport, a printing machine possibly for hat labels or publications within the works. Date: circa 1906

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