Clegg and Mellor roller covering collection

Made:
Wallsend

Collection of tools, machines and products made and used by the Oldham based roller covering business, Clegg and Mellor. Clegg and Mellor created coverings for a range of roller types, including those for combing machines, winding machines, draw frames and spinning machines. The material dates from around 1930-1989.

This collection of material comes from the roller covering workshop of the Oldham based company Clegg and Mellor.

Clegg and Mellor was founded in the 1860s and moved into the Werneth Lodge site in Oldham, in the early 1900s. The company was taken over by an apprentice of the company in the 1930s and the company continued to manufacture textile roller covers as well as draft aprons. In the later years of the company, there was an attempt to diversify into leather handbags and belts. The company closed in the 1980s. A large number of the tools and machines were made by Dronsfield Brothers, who were based at the Atlas Works in Oldham and manufactured a range of textile machinery.

Details

Category:
Textile Industry
Object Number:
Y1998.33
Measurements:
Overall: 52 mm x 75 mm x 215 mm,
type:
roller covering equipment

Parts

Ending machine, with cover guard and rollers on side

Ending machine, with cover guard and rollers on side

Ending machine, with cover guard and rollers on side. Dronsfield Brothers patent, Oldham

More

This machine fastened the ends of the leather tubes on the roller bosses through friction, it was used in the textile roller covering process.

Measurements:
overall: 470 mm x 900 mm x 500 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.12
type:
ending machine
Ending machine

Ending machine

Ending machine, almost complete, but missing guard and rollers, manufactuer unknown.

Measurements:
overall: 400 mm x 960 mm x 530 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.13
type:
ending machine
Slide on leather cutting machine with blade attached

Slide on leather cutting machine with blade attached

Slide on leather cutting machine with blade attached, and five spare blades in a wood box, manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers.

Measurements:
overall: 72 mm x 165 mm x 125 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.14
type:
leather cutting machine
Honing tool

Honing tool

Honing tool, with screw locked blade attached, manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm x 104 mm x 47 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.15
type:
honing tool
Knife sharpening holder for Dronsfield splicing machine. Manufacturer is likely Dronsfield Brothers

Knife sharpening holder for Dronsfield splicing machine. Manufacturer is likely Dronsfield Brothers

Knife sharpening holder for Dronsfield splicing machine. Manufacturer is likely Dronsfield Brothers.

Measurements:
overall: 132 mm x 26 mm x 28 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.17
type:
knife sharpening holder
Leather working tool

Leather working tool

Leather working tool, pallet-shaped with leather strip tacked on both sides

Measurements:
overall: 475 mm x 52 mm x 30 mm,
Materials:
wood (unidentified) and leather
Object Number:
Y1998.33.18
type:
leather working tool
Wooden opening tool marked 'roller hot' opening tool

Wooden opening tool marked 'roller hot' opening tool

Wooden opening tool marked 'roller hot' opening tool

Measurements:
overall: 307 mm x 4027 mm x 3 mm,
Materials:
wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.20
type:
opening tool
Two hand cutting knives for leather working

Two hand cutting knives for leather working

Two hand cutting knives for leather working

Measurements:
overall: 395 mm x 55 mm x 30 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.21
type:
leather working knives
Thirteen gauges for cloth for draw frame rollers

Thirteen gauges for cloth for draw frame rollers

Thirteen gauges for cloth for draw frame rollers, seven wooden, three steel, and three aluminium

Measurements:
overall: 20 mm x 200 mm x 240 mm,
Materials:
wood (unidentified) , steel (metal) and aluminium (metal)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.22
type:
cloth gauges
Horizontal pulling on machine

Horizontal pulling on machine

Horizontal pulling on machine, hand operated, possibly missing a holder attachment. Has a spring gauge attached, which is moved by turning the handle, to the side of the machine. Made by Dronsfield Brothers.

Measurements:
overall: 230 mm x 220 mm x 700 mm, 102 kg
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.23
type:
pulling on machine
Testing machine

Testing machine

Testing machine, for testing 'parallelism' and for paring of rollers of the same diameter. Manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers.

Measurements:
overall: 240 mm x 630 mm x 70 mm, 102 kg
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.24
type:
testing machine
Five wooden boards and one wooden roller likely associated with various roller covering machinery

Five wooden boards and one wooden roller likely associated with various roller covering machinery

Five wooden boards and one wooden roller likely associated with various roller covering machinery.

Measurements:
overall: 190 mm x 480 mm x 220 mm,
Materials:
wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.25
type:
textile machine parts
Box of 13 spring gauges and one rod for a pulling on machine

Box of 13 spring gauges and one rod for a pulling on machine

Box of 13 spring gauges and one rod for a pulling on machine.

Materials:
iron and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.26
type:
machine parts
One box of spares for the Reed paper machine

One box of spares for the Reed paper machine

One box of spares for the Reed paper machine, contains plastic tubes, frame parts, and rollers.

Measurements:
overall: 330 mm x 410 mm x 270 mm,
Materials:
iron and plastic (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.27
type:
paper machine parts
Parts of Reed papermaking machine in large white vat

Parts of Reed papermaking machine in large white vat

Parts of Reed papermaking machine in large white vat. Contains rollers (some with textile covering) and frame parts (plastic and iron), with textile belt.

Measurements:
overall: 520 mm x 1200 mm x 1600 mm, 105 kg
Materials:
iron , plastic (unidentified) and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.27.1
type:
paper making machine
Part of:
Y1998.33.27
Steel plated

Steel plated

Steel plated, iron rollers on a stand for display and small piece of leather and wooden block.

Materials:
iron and steel (metal)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.28
type:
rollers
Black plastic apron with purple cotton ties used by the roller covering firm Clegg and Mellor

Black plastic apron with purple cotton ties used by the roller covering firm Clegg and Mellor

Black plastic apron with purple cotton ties used by the roller covering firm Clegg and Mellor.1930-1989

Measurements:
overall: 100 mm x 280 mm x 400 mm,
Materials:
plastic (unidentified) and cotton (textile)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.29
type:
apron
Bag of tools labelled as 'clearer pulling on machine tools'

Bag of tools labelled as 'clearer pulling on machine tools'

Bag of tools labelled as 'clearer pulling on machine tools'.

Measurements:
overall: 220 mm x 680 mm x 340 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.30
type:
pulling on machine tools
Box of leather 'hots'

Box of leather 'hots'

Box of leather 'hots', made for Cromer Hill.

Measurements:
overall: 120 mm x 220 mm x 220 mm,
Materials:
leather
Object Number:
Y1998.33.31
type:
textile
Metal tin containing orange leather hots made for Shaw Jardine

Metal tin containing orange leather hots made for Shaw Jardine

Metal tin containing orange leather hots made for Shaw Jardine.

Measurements:
overall: 130 mm x 220 mm x 220 mm,
Materials:
leather
Object Number:
Y1998.33.32
type:
leather hots
Box of six rollers

Box of six rollers

Box of six rollers, made of cast iron, with steel plating.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm x 350 mm x 200 mm,
Materials:
iron and steel (metal)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.33
type:
rollers
Six tape gauges for aprons

Six tape gauges for aprons

Six tape gauges for aprons, varying sizes, made from cast iron with steel plating.

Measurements:
overall: 100 mm x 500 mm x 310 mm,
Materials:
iron and steel (metal)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.34
type:
tape gauges
Wooden rectangular basket

Wooden rectangular basket

Wooden rectangular basket with a wide top that narrows towards the base and sides made up of uneven slats. Base is made from from one piece of wood, which is now dislodged.

Measurements:
overall: 140 mm x 340 mm x 260 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.35
type:
basket
Ten wool mix sleeves (5&1/2 inches x 8 inches)

Ten wool mix sleeves (5&1/2 inches x 8 inches)

Ten wool mix sleeves (5&1/2 inches x 8 inches), look to have been cut to size, and then sewn inside its edge.

Measurements:
depth: 230mm
height: 80mm
width: 150mm
Materials:
wool (unspecified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.36
type:
textiles
One box of parts from foot operated vertical pulling on machine

One box of parts from foot operated vertical pulling on machine

One box of parts from foot operated vertical pulling on machine, contains spring gauges and a frame part.

Measurements:
overall: 240 mm x 220 mm x 220 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.38
type:
machine parts
Two parts of a bench guillotine frame

Two parts of a bench guillotine frame

Two parts of a bench guillotine frame, square frame with a with a turnable globular handle, and geared roller attachment. Cast iron frame is painted green.

Measurements:
overall: 170 mm x 1200 mm x 980 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.39.1
type:
bench guillotine parts
Part of:
Y1998.33.39
Part for Bench Guillotine Table

Part for Bench Guillotine Table

Part of a bench guillotine table, iron frame, and six piece wood table top. Parts of the frame have been painted red, and the other parts green. Also with three tubs of arbors, various belt drives, and two machine guards.

Measurements:
overall: 870 mm x 1180 mm x 900 mm,
Materials:
iron and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.39.2
type:
bench guillotine part
Part of:
Y1998.33.39
Accessories for bench guillotine

Accessories for bench guillotine

Two green flat metal rods and small bag of screws and small metal parts associated with bench guillotine.

Measurements:
overall: 20 mm x 40 mm x 800 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.39.3
type:
bench guillotine parts
Part of:
Y1998.33.39
Marble cutting block on wood base

Marble cutting block on wood base

Marble cutting block on wood base, in an iron frame, with a leather belt and cover for the bench guillotine.

Measurements:
overall: 190 mm x 880 mm x 600 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.39.4
type:
cutting block
Part of:
Y1998.33.39
Pulling on machine tools

Pulling on machine tools

Pulling on machine tools, oblong with hooked ends.

Measurements:
overall: 150 mm x 1320 mm x 430 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.40
type:
pulling on machine tools
Display case showing textile roller coverings types

Display case showing textile roller coverings types

Display case showing textile roller coverings types.

Measurements:
overall: 80 mm x 740 mm x 500 mm,
Materials:
glass and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.41
type:
display case
Splicing machine manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers Ltd

Splicing machine manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers Ltd

Splicing machine manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers Ltd, Oldham.

Measurements:
depth: 720mm
height: 300mm
width: 460mm
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.42
type:
splicing machine
Three boxes of rollers

Three boxes of rollers

Three boxes of rollers, a drawer of solid rollers, and a drawer of loose boss rollers.

Measurements:
overall: 570 mm x 420 mm x 460 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.43
type:
rollers
chest

chest

Wooden chest, painted grey, with iron handles.

Measurements:
overall: 630 mm x 560 mm x 450 mm,
Materials:
wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.44
type:
chest
Iron chain winch

Iron chain winch

Iron chain winch, with chain, manufactured by Herbert Morris Ltd, Loughborough.

Measurements:
overall: 360 mm x 360 mm x 360 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.45
type:
winch
Circular Varnish Boiler

Circular Varnish Boiler

Circular varnish boiler, on three iron legs, with a stretching frame(?) along its top edge. Has a tap on the side, with two pressure indicators(?). Handled lid is removable, and has a mixer attached. Manufactured by Andrew & Suter Ltd, St. Albans.

Measurements:
overall: 1270 mm x 470 mm x 470 mm,
Materials:
iron and copper (alloy)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.46
type:
varnish boiler
Circular Varnish Boiler and Gas Ring

Circular Varnish Boiler and Gas Ring

Circular varnish boiler and gas ring, on three iron legs, with a stretching frame(?) along its top edge. Has a tap on the side, with a thermometer. Handled lid is removable, and has a mixer attached. Boiler contains small wooden parts and plastic hose.

Measurements:
overall: 700 mm x 600 mm x 720 mm,
Materials:
iron and copper (alloy)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.47
type:
varnish boiler
Iron Paste Boiler

Iron Paste Boiler

Iron paste boiler, cylindrical vat on four feet, with a geared stirring mechanism, no lid.

Measurements:
overall: 840 mm x 360 mm x 800 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.48
type:
paste boiler
Iron guards for textile machinery

Iron guards for textile machinery

Iron guards for textile machinery

Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.49
type:
guard
Gas ring for extender

Gas ring for extender

Gas ring for extender.

Measurements:
overall: 80 mm x 150 mm x 295 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.50
type:
gas ring
Iron hood for an ending machine

Iron hood for an ending machine

Iron hood for an ending machine.

Measurements:
overall: 180 mm x 635 mm x 245 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.51
type:
ending machine part
Three machine parts

Three machine parts

Three machine parts, appear to be guards for roller covering machinery.

Measurements:
overall: 150 mm x 730 mm x 600 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.52
type:
machine parts
Two frame parts for either a calendering machine or grinding machine

Two frame parts for either a calendering machine or grinding machine

Two frame parts for either a calendering machine or grinding machine.

Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.53
type:
machine parts
19 wooden drawers for holding textile rollers

19 wooden drawers for holding textile rollers

19 wooden drawers for holding textile rollers. Drawers have two either one or two ornate iron handles. Also two wooden frames.

Measurements:
overall: 750 mm x 810 mm x 990 mm,
Materials:
iron and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.55
type:
drawers
Seven parts from calendering machine

Seven parts from calendering machine

Seven parts from calendering machine, frame parts and rollers, manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers, Oldham

Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.56
type:
calendering machine parts
Splicing machine

Splicing machine

Splicing machine, likely a complete unit.

Measurements:
overall: 970 mm x 450 mm x 870 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.58
type:
splicing machine
Two wooden drawers of textile parts

Two wooden drawers of textile parts

Two wooden drawers of textile parts, first drawer comprises a selection of wooden rollers of differing thicknesses and two felt covered clearer rollers, second drawer comprises rolls of white leather in two cardboard boxes and small plastic bag, wooden board with felt cover and small tool for removing roller lap.

Measurements:
overall: 220 mm x 560 mm x 970 mm,
Materials:
leather , textile and iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.59
type:
textile parts
One box of leather belts used by roller covering firm

One box of leather belts used by roller covering firm

One box of leather belts used by roller covering firm, Clegg and Mellor. 1930-1989.

Measurements:
overall: 200 mm x 530 mm x 430 mm,
Materials:
leather
Object Number:
y1998.33.60
type:
belts
Two iron fly presses

Two iron fly presses

Two iron fly presses, one is a 9 inch and the other is 16 inch fly press.

Measurements:
overall: 320 mm x 440 mm x 530 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.61
type:
fly press
Ceramic bottle for 'candem' roller varnish

Ceramic bottle for 'candem' roller varnish

Ceramic bottle for 'candem' roller varnish.

Measurements:
overall: 330 mm x 180 mm x 180 mm,
Materials:
ceramic (unspecified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.62
type:
bottle
Box of rollers with cotton wrapped round them

Box of rollers with cotton wrapped round them

Box of rollers with cotton wrapped round them, and a larger textile covered roller, with a piece of felt attached to a wood board.

Measurements:
overall: 170 mm x 350 mm x 160 mm,
Materials:
iron , textile and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.63
type:
textile machine parts
Over centre press

Over centre press

Over centre press.

Measurements:
overall: 370 mm x 510 mm x 110 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.64
type:
over centre press
Mechanism and race for vertical pulling on machine

Mechanism and race for vertical pulling on machine

Mechanism and race for vertical pulling on machine, manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers, Oldham.

Measurements:
overall: 170 mm x 680 mm x 380 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.65
type:
vertical pulling on machine parts
Two hand calendaring boards with handles

Two hand calendaring boards with handles

Two hand calendaring boards with handles.

Measurements:
overall: 110 mm x 590 mm x 400 mm,
Materials:
wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.66
type:
board
Bench hardness gauge

Bench hardness gauge

Bench hardness gauge.

Measurements:
overall: 250 mm x 170 mm x 140 mm,
Materials:
iron and glass
Object Number:
Y1998.33.67
type:
gauge
Cutting board for making parallel strips

Cutting board for making parallel strips

Cutting board for making parallel strips, manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers, Oldham.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm x 1090 mm x 680 mm,
Materials:
iron and wood (unidentified)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.68
type:
cutting board
Calendering machine frame parts

Calendering machine frame parts

Calendering machine frame parts, with drive shafts attached.

Measurements:
overall: 720 mm x 1200 mm x 1000 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.69
type:
calendering machine parts
Curved iron sheet

Curved iron sheet

Curved iron sheet, likely associated with another machine.

Measurements:
overall: 230 mm x 1110 mm x 7500 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.70
type:
iron sheet
Cast iron A-shaped frame on wheels. Two cast iron bars align vertically underneath the top bar

Cast iron A-shaped frame on wheels. Two cast iron bars align vertically underneath the top bar

Cast iron A-shaped frame on wheels. Two cast iron bars align vertically underneath the top bar, with two cranes on metal wires attached.

Measurements:
overall: 1700 mm x 2550 mm x 1100 mm, 77 kg
Materials:
cast iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.71
type:
cast iron frame
One Box and Roll of Sheep Skin

One Box and Roll of Sheep Skin

One box and roll of sheep skin.

Measurements:
overall: 400 mm x 1220 mm x 1000 mm,
Materials:
leather
Object Number:
Y1998.33.72
type:
animal skins
Roller Covering Equipment

Roller Covering Equipment

Roller covering equipment, tags attached, 'Clegg & Mellor No. K3404' and 'L1990.106 Mr. B Brierley Roller Covering Equipment, 4 yards x 36" wide, green worsted plush'.

Measurements:
overall: 60 mm x 970 mm x 170 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.73
type:
roller covering equipment
Roller Covering Equipment

Roller Covering Equipment

Roller covering equipment, tag attached; 'L1990.106 Mr. B Brierley Roller Covering Equipment Blue Swansdowne'.

Measurements:
overall: 60 mm x 670 mm x 220 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.74
type:
roller covering equipmemt
Cloth Washers

Cloth Washers

Cloth washers, tag attached reads; 'L1990.106 Mr. B Brierley (roller covering equipment) cloth washers'.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm x 150 mm x 530 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.75
type:
cloth washers
Ten Rubber Roller Covers

Ten Rubber Roller Covers

10 rubber roller covers (tubes)

Measurements:
overall: 80 mm x 470 mm x 150 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.76
type:
roller covering equipment
Roll of Goat Skins used by Roller Covering Firm Clegg and Mellor

Roll of Goat Skins used by Roller Covering Firm Clegg and Mellor

Roll of goat skins used by roller covering firm, Clegg and Mellor, around 1930-1989.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm x 170 mm x 890 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.77
type:
goat skins
Roll of Goat Skins used by Roller Covering Firm Clegg and Mellor

Roll of Goat Skins used by Roller Covering Firm Clegg and Mellor

Roll of goat skins used by roller covering firm, Clegg and Mellor, about 1930-1989.

Measurements:
overall: 90 mm x 750 mm x 170 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.78
type:
goat skins
Black Felt for Roller Covering Equipment

Black Felt for Roller Covering Equipment

Small piece of black felt.

Measurements:
overall: 40 mm x 240 mm x 310 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.79
type:
roller covering eqipment
Two Metal Rollers and Seven Metal Rollers with Covers

Two Metal Rollers and Seven Metal Rollers with Covers

Two metal rollers and seven metal rollers with covers, with tag, 'S.Dodd & Sons, Ltd. Lyon Works Oldham Glegg & Mellor'.

Measurements:
overall: 35 mm x 35 mm x 370 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.80
type:
rollers
Roller Setting Gauge

Roller Setting Gauge

Roller setting gauge, label attached mentions 'Cook+Co. Manchester'.

Measurements:
overall: 120 mm x 90 mm x 210 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.81
type:
roller setting gauge
Components of Grinding Machine

Components of Grinding Machine

Grinding machine parts, made by George Angust and Co. Ltd.

Measurements:
overall: 840 mm x 1200 mm x 900 mm,
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.82
type:
grinding machine parts
Section of Pulling on Machine

Section of Pulling on Machine

Section of pulling on machine, gear and chain belt visible, manufactured by Dronsfield Brothers, Oldham.

Measurements:
overall: 20 mm x 160 mm x 60 mm, 69 kg
Materials:
iron
Object Number:
Y1998.33.83
type:
pulling on machine
Five Welsh Tanned Roller Skins

Five Welsh Tanned Roller Skins

5 Welsh tanned roller skins.

Measurements:
overall: .5 kg
Object Number:
Y1998.33.85
type:
animal skins

Angus (Gacots) concentricity tester

'Angus (Gacots)' concentricity tester, with gauge. In separate parts, contained in wooden case.

Manufactured by Mercer.

Materials:
iron and steel (metal)
Object Number:
Y1998.33.86
type:
concentricity tester
Image ©
The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
Rollers

Rollers

Box of rollers and associated ephemera.

Measurements:
overall: 555 mm x 470 mm x 415 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.87
type:
rollers
Rollers

Rollers

Box of rollers and associated ephemera.

Measurements:
overall: 310 mm x 465 mm x 380 mm,
Object Number:
Y1998.33.88
type:
rollers