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Memories of Preston’s Courtaulds factory wanted

Posted on - 14th May, 2014 - 7:00am | Author - | Posted in - Brookfield, Fishwick, History, Nostalgia, Ribbleton, St Matthews
The beam machine in use at Courtaulds

The beam machine in use at Courtaulds

A community project is asking for Prestonian’s memories of the Courtaulds factory.

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There will be an event at St Matthew’s Mission on Saturday to help trace the history of the former factory.

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The Colours of the World: Made in Preston project was inspired by the array of artificial silks made by Courtaulds.

Courtaulds employed thousands of Prestonians when it opened in 1939.

It is now the site of the Red Scar Business Park, Ribbleton, since it was closed and demolished in the 1980s.

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Frankie Mullen, co-founder of Dovetail who are running the project, said: “We have been working in Preston for over 5 years and we are delighted to be leading this project about an institution which has touched so many people here – whether they be one of the thousands who worked there – or knew someone
who did.

“What is particularly interesting is that Courtaulds laid the foundations of the vibrant mixed community we see in the area today, utilising the talents, hard work and experience of a wide range of people – and bringing them together in one workplace.

“The materials they produced were astonishingly beautiful and amazingly successful. We feel this is something to celebrate and we hope lots of people from the area and beyond will join us to explore and celebrate this rich heritage.”

“We are also seeking to collect memories and artifacts from the Strike at Red Scar Mill in 1965 from Asian workers in the Tyre Cord Spinning Department. We are looking to speak to workers who were involved in the strike as well as women and other family or community members who supported the strike.”

Vibrant coloured materials were produced at Courtaulds

Vibrant coloured materials were produced at Courtaulds

Writer Alison Boyle, co-author of From Parkistan to Preston, will also be speaking at the St Matthews event.

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The free event takes place on Saturday 17 May at the St Matthew’s Mission from 2pm to 4pm.

Do you or someone you know have any memories of Courtaulds? Let us know in the comments below

Image credit to Keith Sergeant

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