Crompton & Knowles Power Loom, 1926

THF189978 / Crompton & Knowles Power Loom, 1926
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Artifact Overview

Power looms, introduced in American textile mills in the 1810s, completely mechanized the weaving process. This 1926 example was originally used at Ford Motor Company's Highland Park assembly plant to produce prototype seating upholstery for Model Ts. Driven by electricity and using up to six flying shuttles, which carry the thread, it can weave complex fabrics at about 25 feet per hour.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Powerloom

Date Made

1926

Location

at Greenfield Village in Weaving Shop (Cotton Gin Mill)

Object ID

31.2084.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ford Motor Company.

Material

Iron (Metal)

Color

Black (Color)

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Related Content

  • Weaving Shop
    Set

    Working Looms of Greenfield Village

    • 8 Artifacts
    The Greenfield Village Weaving Shop demonstrates the evolution of textile production from the colonial home and craft shop, through the Industrial Revolution to commercial factory. Housed in a converted 1840s Georgia cotton mill, the Weaving Shop contains a number of working looms, including one of the few operating mechanical Jacquard looms in North America.