In the mid 1930's a new business set up in Wibsey. It started at Croft Mill, Croft Street (near Smith Avenue top) and occupied three offices and a small warehouse.

The entrepreneur was James Hubert Sutcliffe and the business became Sutcliffe Silks Limited.

Operating as a manufacturer without looms, Mr Sutcliffe purchased warp and weft, designed his choice of fabrics and then produced woven cloth by employing commission weavers, mainly in the Silsden, Skipton, and Addingham areas. The weavers were given production instructions and the woven fabric was then sent to commission dyers to be dyed to the required colour and finish.

The fabrics produced were used for lining garments; taffeta fabrics with a special finish for luggage and handbags; satin fabric with a special finish for fur coat linings; and material for ladies' underwear and blouses.

Not long after the firm was established war broke out. During wartime and for some years following the end of the war production was limited and concentrated on what were officially termed Utility fabrics. These were produced to specifications stipulated by the Ministry of Production, which also controlled the selling price.

Sixty or seventy years after the war, it is perhaps difficult for younger generations to understand just how extensive were the rules and regulations which had to be introduced as the war continued and supplies of almost everything became very limited. After the war ended and as more raw produce became available, official regulations began to relax.

Shortly after the war the premises in Croft Street (part of which have since been demolished) were vacated and the company moved to larger premises in Chapel Street.

Stella H Carpenter

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