Human Fabric

2015

This project is an investigation into the industrial site of Mamhilad, which was built as a high tech facility for the production of nylon thread. In common with other high tech industries based on new research and development in the post-war period the plastics industry was associated with technological advancements that would lead to the material enhancement in the lives of ordinary people. The development of new man-made fabrics, plastics and chemicals were credited with helping to lighten the burden of everyday domestic chores and promised a new world of comfort and convenience. The workforce at Mamhilad generally shared this faith in the benefits that scientific and technological progress could provide and felt that they were contributing to a promise held by society at large that all subsequent generations might look forward to a future characterised by material and social improvement.

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#34 - Arthur Elliott, author of the 'History of the British Nylon Spinners'.
#35 - Dr.Des Price 
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#37 - Nylon polymer chips.
#38 - Site of the former ICI club house.
#39 - Pontypool Museum, BNS boardroom exhibit.
#40 - Sir Henry Rushbury British Nylon Spinners 1957
Torfaen Museum Trust Collection

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#42 - Part of the Pontypool Museum archive
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#46 - Pontypool Site Plan
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#67 - Postcard (Valentine's)
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Cedric Mumford operating a Hot-stage microscope.
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