Around 1760 was a time when manufacturing of goods in Europe and the United States moved from small independent shops to larger, more commercial factories. This time period brought about changes in culture as people moved from rural areas to big cities in order to work. This era gave rise to the Industrial Revolution.
These industrial factories housed companies dealing with, textiles, glass making, upholstery, hosiery, metalworks, carpentry and many many more. The sounds, smells, and atmosphere of a busy factory became daily life for the new era. The industrial revolution provided new homes and incomes for so many families. Sadly this was not to last.
The end of the industrial revolution began at the start of World War 1 in 1914, new technology, social standing, and the change in the political world was to change the landscape of Europe once again. Although large factories of all varieties of manufactory exist today, the ever evolving world of technology has left many factories and companies redundant.
In recent years there has been a demand for industrial items for home furnishings. These industrial items have been turned into all kinds of practical household objects. With the demand so high some companies have even produced new homeware to be in keeping with the industrial theme. However there are small items collectors like to acquire in the form of factory tools, signs, ephemera etc.
There are so many fascinating stories, information and interesting items that form part of the magic of the industrial revolution. At Wildcard we have many of our industrial items available in the shop based in Leicester at Freemen’s Common Antique Centre. We also have some smaller items on our online shop. All subject to availability.