James Hollingworth
James Hollingsworth ( -1895), inventor of looms of Dobcross, Saddleworth, Yorkshire.
1895 Obituary [1]
JAMES HOLLINGWORTH died somewhat suddenly on June 15, 1895. His death is a great loss to the textile industry of this country. The important influence he exerted upon the worsted and woollen industries of the West Riding of Yorkshire by his inventive ability and commercial enterprise is well known.
After having served his apprenticeship as a joiner and builder, he entered the service of John Hirst & Sons of Dobcross, in which he remained until 1860.
In 1859 he, in conjunction with Mr. J. Hirst, took out a patent for an improved method of operating shuttle-boxes, which proved highly successful and led to further patents for improvements in looms, and Hollingsworth's (sic) looms attained a high reputation.
In 1861 the inventors started on a small scale a machine-works for the making of their looms. The works have been gradually extended until they now employ 500 hands.
In 1883 Hutchinson, Hollingworth & Co. placed their first fast-speed loom on the market, and since that date 12,000 of these looms have been built. A lengthy obituary notice and an excellent portrait of Mr. Hollingworth appear in the Textile Mercury of July 13, 1895.
He was elected a member of the Iron and Steel Institute in 1889.