Originating towards the end of the 17th century, the Kilbarchan weaving industry employed about 900 people at it's highest point circa mid 19th century. Unlike the Paisley shawl industry Kilbarchan weaving remained a cottage industry until the last.

To meet the new demands of the 19th century and avoid competition from the powerlooms of Paisley, Kilbarchan changed mainly to tartans. The tartans which it made, only required handlooms for their production. Because the Kilbarchan industry was less specialised compared to the Paisley intricate shawl production (which suddenly fell from fashion in about 1870), it sustained a longer life.

The Kilbarchan tartans, with their wider range of use remained in production for about another 80 years, but production started to ebb in the 1880's because of competition from the power looms.
Not to be outdone the villagers developed an interesting sideline; the production of decorative and plain Ponchos (know as "Holey Ponchos") for the South American market.

 


Weavers Cottage is the only left remaining working loom in the village and is open to the public, it is protected by the National Trust for Scotland.


The cottage was built in 1723 by the Brydein family (their names are on the lintel above the door).
In 1801, William Christie bought the cottage and his descendants lived there until the early 1950's.



This typical 18th century handloom weaver's cottage houses the last of the 800 looms working in the village of Kilbarchan in the 1830's.
On special demonstration days, the clack, clack of a weaver at work brings the cottage back to life, this art being preserved by skilled amateur enthusiasts, who will happily demonstrate the complexity of the job, a method not changed since the 1700's

Locally woven shawls cover the box beds.
In one room the wall beside the box bed has been cut away to allow long legs to stretch.
The furnishings and fittings within the cottage are mainly Victorian, and present a view of pre-industrial life for a working class family, without gas; electricity or running water.



There is an important display of looms, weaving equipment, domestic utensils, local historical and weaving items, and on the walls portraits of former spinners and weavers look at home in the midst of their tools of trade.

There is also an attractive cottage garden, which contains some interesting specimens of stone craft - a bee bole in the wall to take three skeps (beehives); a cheese press; a collection of old curling stones and other pieces. Normally there was a collection of various flowers and plants that were grown for their colours which was used in the making of dyes.



By 1900 approx 200 looms were left working and by 1953 this had dwindled to 3 or 4.
The retirement of John Houston and the death of Willie Meikle in 1955 reduced this number to one.

This is a picture of Willie Meikle (the kings kiltmaker) in 1936 sitting at his loom, working at his profession.

For further details contact:
Weavers Cottage
The Cross, Kilbarchan,
Renfrewshire,
Scotland PA10 2JG. 
or
Telephone 44 (0)1505 705588

Or visit their web page: National Trust for Scotland; Weavers Cottage



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If you have any comments or interested in any of the above contact me at:
Kilbarchan@johnbutler.org


Last update  Apr 2009 Web Page Design © John Butler