ANYONE puzzled by how Redditch came to be the needlemaking capital of the world should look no further than a new book by Peter Collins.
‘The Art and Mystique of Needlemaking – Abel Morrall Needlemakers 1785-1991’ lifts the lid on how a Studley-based family supplied the globe with needles from its now demolished factory by Redditch Railway Station.
And Peter admits the book has been a labour of love – his wife Val, maiden name Morrall, is a direct descendant of the dynasty.
“I’ve spend more than 30 years researching the book, which, as well as being the story of an industry, is also a social history of the ups and downs of a local family,” he said.
“In that time I’ve given countless talks to embroidery groups and I always hold up a needle and ask them how it was made, and only about one person out of three groups at a time comes close to an answer.”
What is known is that restless members of the Guild of Needle Makers in London grew tired of all the rules and regulations and broke away, steadily heading north before pooling in the Redditch/Studley area.
Michael Morrall was the first of the Morrall needlemakers, his descendant Abel lived at ‘The Towers’ where the old Griffin pub used to stand, while his son lived at Studley Manor House on the Alcester Road.
Abel’s forte was in the mechanisation of needle making and at the Great Exhibition of 1851 Queen Victoria was there to see one of his machines in operation. He later presented her with a set of needles made in Redditch.
The company later diversified into other markets but the core business remained needles until the surge of cheap imports from China and Asia killed it off. Today only Entaco on the Washford industrial estate remains of a once proud industry.
Peter’s book is available at Forge Mill Museum or direct from local historian and book dealer Karen Cording for £9.75 at http://nonnykettle-books.ebid.net/ or on 01527 69150.
