To be given by the incoming President, Dr. Bridget Towle, CBE

The lecture will cover 400 years of the history of the hosiery and knitwear industry. It will try to explain why the centre of the English industry was based in Leicester and Leicestershire. Three themes continue through time, the impact of fashion, the employment of women and payment by piece rates. Also, over the years, manufacturers usually were dominated by the wholesalers or retailers who placed orders. The majority of the lecture will concentrate on the 20th century detailing the growth and prosperity of the industry, driven by fashion. It will finish with the swift collapse of English hosiery and knitwear production in the 1990s.

The event is free to members. It is suggested that non-members give a donation of £5.00p (students £2.50p).

If you would like to attend this event, please register by clicking the button below.