An Industrial Art: The Archaeology of Calico Printing in the Irwell Valley

The printing of cloth played a key role in the early development of Lancashire's cotton industry during the late eighteenth century, and its rapid growth thereafter. The River Irwell and its tributaries around Bury emerged as an important centre for printing, and became associated with some of the textile industry's most famous pioneers. In contrast to other branches of the industry, however, very few historic print works survive as buildings, although several have been the focus of recent archaeological investigations in Greater Manchester. This booklet presents the findings of several excavations and surveys of the remains of former print works, providing an insight into the development of this important industry.