George Wigley and Co

of Derby

1897 'George Wigley and Co. The Old Silk Mill at Derby was the first silk-throwing mill constructed in Great Britain, and was erected by Mr. John Lombe in 1717. Tt is situate on an island in the river Derwent, and its approach is from Full Street, Derby. The mill is 110 ft, long, 40ft. wide, and five stories in height, and contains about 14,000 spindles. The machinery, which has been under the management of the present proprietor, Mr. Geo. Wigley, for upwards of a quarter of a century, is of a most efficient character. The mill is adapted and has the reputation for the throwing of the best qualities of sewing silks, hosiery, lace, embroidery, silk nets, filoselle, trimmings, gloves, ribands, broad silk, upholstery, crapes, and elastic webbing. The first process of winding is proceeded with in the upper stories, which contain 3,400 swifts. In the drawing and the cleaning there are employed 1,200 spindles, and the important process of spinning employs 6,900 spindles. The next important and delicate process of doubling employs 1,000 spindles, while process of throwing (twisting) employs 1,200 spindles. '

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