Chris - Knitting Technician - describes the technical aspects of the yarn we use and the winding process.
Amy - Knitwear Designer - explains how modern knitwear is designed using sophisticated software and CAD tools, before transferring onto the knitting machines.
Reg - Head Mechanic - briefs HRH on how the various types of knitting machinery produce our unique fine lacy patterns.
Dawn - Finishing Supervisor - provides a demonstration of overlocking, one of the many finishing trades.
Ann - Finishing Assistant - showing HRH how we inspect each shawl, while folding, to ensure each piece is pattern perfect. Gillian - Director - watching too.
We were also able to demonstrate two working handframes from our historic collection, welcoming our good friend Stuart, a Handframe Technician and volunteer at The Framework Knitters Museum.
Towards the end of our Factory tour, The Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque, to mark her visit, as well as presenting a long service award to Reg, our Head Mechanic, celebrating 53 years of service and dedication to G.H.Hurt & Son and the artisan craft of lace knitting.
The Princess Royal also met our distinguished guests & partners: Mr Michael Marsden, Executive Dean of Nottingham School of Art & Design, Nottingham Trent University and Mr Akira Oseto, Director of Net Laboratories Ltd, our distribution partner for Japan.
Gillian Taylor - Director - comments
“We were delighted and honoured to receive The Princess Royal here at our Shawl Factory. It is also a wonderful reward for the staff, as our beautiful lace knitwear depends on their unique skills and hard work.”
“We have always been a creative and innovative business. Our main aim in more recent years has been to continue to innovate and develop international markets.”
“It was such a pleasure to share a little of our local lace knitting heritage with The Princess Royal.”