Your Pocket History of UK Cotton.

As a bedding manufacturer, cotton is the life blood of what we do.  We are located in Lancashire, a place that once had a thriving cotton industry.  Indeed, around 100 years ago it was the pride of the U.K creating fabric from yarn and creating products that were exported around the world. Unfortunately the industry today, while still significant, is a lot smaller with only a few manufacturers remaining to carry on workmanship and manufacture in the textile sector.

So, what happened to the UK Cotton Industry?

power loom
Power loom

Prior to the mid 1700s, textile production in the United Kingdom was performed by handloom weavers. In these early years production was typically linen and wool but would be followed later by cotton. The industry began to truly evolve with the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the development of the power loom, patented by Edmund Cartwright in 1785.  The power loom was a mechanized loom which used water to power instead of by hand and sped up the weaving process significantly.  The idea was further developed over the coming years using steam power until fully automatic looms were in use by the mid 1800’s.

It was quickly discovered that Lancashire was the ideal location for the expanding cotton industry; already providing expert weavers as well an abundant supply of coal for steam engines, stone for building factories, and the ideal climate for processing cotton – cool and damp! The region’s population boomed as the cotton industry exploded in the United Kingdom. Raw cotton, imported from the Americas, grew the industry and created a British monopoly on textile exports to the Americas and Africa, all of which fueled the slave trade as well as industrial growth in Britain.

After slavery was outlawed, the industry continued to grow and by 1912, at the cotton industry’s peak, eight billion yards of cotton were produced. The outbreak of World War I, meant the end of exports to foreign countries like Japan, who built their own factories and produced a less expensive product as well. As the war ended, Gandhi’s call for a boycott of British goods, including cotton, followed by Japan’s emergence as the world’s largest cotton manufacturer, caused a large number of Britain’s mills to close.

A small resurgence of the industry came with the dawn of World War II, as cotton manufacturers were called on to support the war effort with fabric for uniforms and parachutes. Following the war, the Cotton Industry in the United Kingdom, unable to compete with mounting international competition began to fail.  The growth of cheap manufacturing abroad and the move away from manufacture during the late 70’s – 1980’s saw further closures as the cotton mills struggled to compete.

Today, little remains of our legacy from the U.K.’s golden age of Cotton Industry but there is still a strong legacy of seamstresses working in many facets of the textile industry.  From apparel and shoe manufacture to our own UK manufactured bed linen, there are businesses carrying on the proud tradition of that legacy.

For more information on life in a cotton mill, see the imperial war museums articles here

I hope you enjoyed reading our pocket history, if you think we’ve missed anything or want to add your views, please let us know in the comments below.

4ft Custom Bedding From Victoria Linen

Since 1992, our team at Victoria Linen Company have been providing our customers with high quality, luxurious bedding for their homes. Providing soft and comfortable fabrics, high quality looks, and unique designs are just a small a part of what we do here. Now you have even more choice at Victoria Linen with the new 4ft custom bedding and matching cushions that are being offered. Cushions, Bed throws and Bed spreads as well as Pillow Cases are all available in this range, perfect for your 4ft Bed. These beautiful items come in a wide range of patterns, colours and styles for you to choose from. From the exotic Zanzibar to the luxurious Crush bedding, at Victoria Linen you will find all of the bedding you need to kit out all the rooms in your house.

Bowland bedding shown in Citrus
Bowland bedding shown in Citrus

A mix of wool and polyester fabrics combine to make the beautiful checked designs of the Bowland Bedding collection. This range offers six different hues of the fabric to incorporate a splash of colour to any plain bedding. The Citrus offers a splash of pale green while the Spice is more of a beige colour. Heather brings in beautiful purple shades while the Raspberry offers calming pinks to your room. The Natural colour option is shades of pale brown and is relatively universal in terms of established colour schemes. Lastly, Mineral offers beautiful tones of blue and adds a touch of peace and tranquillity to your décor.

 

Crush Bedding Shown in Grape.
Crush Bedding Shown in Grape.

 

 

Or maybe Velvet is more your thing? If so, try the Crush Bedding line to adorn your small double bed. These beautiful deep colours are created with crushed velvet on one side and a silky 100% satin on the other. Choose neutral tones such as the Pearl white or the Latte tan or add a burst of colour with the deep Crimson red throw or the gorgeous dark purple Grape option. Calming blue Azure creates a relaxing colour scheme, whilst the dark Olive brings a warm and peaceful touch to your bedroom.

Adding colour and class to your room just got easier with these amazing 4-foot bed throws and matching cushions. With a range of colours and fabrics to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect addition to your bedding collection at Victoria Linen. Find these beautiful sets online at www.victorialinen.co.uk, or give us a call on 01706 220020. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will assist you in making sure you have the perfect 4-foot bed throw and matching cushions for the most important room in your house.

 

 

 

 

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New SS13 Belledorm Collections Available Now!

Belledorm have filled their stocks with the popular Delilah duvet set for the summer season as it is one of their biggest sellers. Delilah is available in 2 different colours; red and black.

The Delilah duvet set is filled with a stunning bold floral print on a sandy beige background which makes this duvet set fun and fancy for the summer season. It will be sure to update your bedroom with the latest fashion. It is made from 50% combed cotton/50% polyester. The set comes with pillowcases already at a reasonable price which is made affordable for everyone to treat themselves.

Belledorm Delilah Red Duvet Set
Belledorm Delilah Red Duvet Set

As well as the Delilah duvet set there is also a second new design named as Rhapsody. The bedding set by Belledorm is filled with flowers which accentuates the depth and richness of the fabric due to the tones of colours used to create the pretty bouquets. The fabric is brushed in a way that the fabric feels utterly luxurious to touch made from 100% brushed cotton.

As well as these 2 new designs available there are 4 other designs all from ‘The White Collection’ which are manufactured at a 200 thread count in 100% cotton all in very simple yet elegant designs allowing you to dress the rest of your bedroom in which ever way you like.

To see the full range of our Belledorm designer bed linen collections visit our website now and get your bedroom ready for summer.

http://www.victorialinen.co.uk/acatalog/Belledorm-Collection.html

 

Small Double Bedding at Victoria Linen

Do you find it difficult to find that perfect bed linen to fit your small double or 4ft bed perfectly? Then you have come to the right place, because here at Victoria Linen we manufacture small double bedding made to fit your bed perfectly. On our website we have a full section just for 4ft bedding which includes fitted and flat sheets, mattress protectors, valances and mattress toppers.

A 4ft bed is also commonly known as a small double bed which is sized at 4′ x 6’3″ or can be 6’6″ and 7′ in length. Here at Victoria Linen we manufacture all of our 4ft bed linen in our UK based factory in the heart of Lancashire to a high standard from high quality fabrics.

Our fitted sheets and flat sheets come in a range of fabrics from a simple easy care poly cotton, up to a luxury 400 thread count Egyptian cotton and are available to purchase in a choice of 12 colours for the poly cotton fabric and a choice of white or ivory for the 100% cotton and 400 count Egyptian Cotton.

Our mattress protectors are available in standard quilted polyester or our breathable waterproof tencel fabric. Both offer an all round layer of protection for your 4ft bed and are hemmed with elastic to allow it to grip under your mattress keeping it in place.

Our mattress toppers are available in 3 different fillings which are Poly Cotton. Lambs Wool and Hi Hair – Vert Wool. These will all enhance any bed as well as protecting and prolonging the life of your mattress and adding an extra layer of comfort to deepen your nights sleep.

To see the full range of 4ft bed linen visit our website now and treat yourself to luxury fitted bed linen rather than compromising with the double sized bed linen which is just too big.

https://www.victorialinen.co.uk/small-double-bedding

Brand New Sheridan Bedding Available Now!

You can now choose from a selection of designer bed linen by Sheridan Bedding available on our website to purchase now; with up to 5 designs all filled with beautiful details these are definitely not one to miss out on.

Sheridan Bedding are well known throughout the world for being one of the premier home furnishing manufacturers. They were established in the 1940’s-1050’s and were originally named ‘Australian Cotton Textile Industries’ or ACTIL’ for short; then in 1963 the brand name Sheridan was brought in. They supply customers with very high quality and high thread count bed linen with bedding consisting of up to 1000 threads per square inch; you just can’t beat that can you.

Sheridan Alvarez Full Bedding Set
Sheridan Alvarez Full Bedding Set

One of the new designs is the ‘Glenmara’ which features a fine 100% cotton jacquard weave and combines a natural flax colour with a lovely yellow thread to depict an exotic flower and foliage pattern; it is also trimmed with a 5cm border for a crisp tailored look.

Or how about stepping into the world of old Byzantium with the reactive dye technique resulting in vibrant colour and a soft touch; all part of the new ‘Alvarez’ design. This pattern is accentuated with a rich golden decorative border with the background contrasting in a linear pattern in ivory and a warm grey. This duvet set is made with a luxury 400 thread count from 100% cotton sateen.

Why not head over to our website and treat yourself to one of the new designer bedding designs by Sheridan now! These are definitely a must have to add a touch of glamour to any bedroom. You can also purchase the full bedding set which includes the duvet cover, 2 of each pillowcases which are available for the set (square and either oxford or housewife), a luxurious cushion and we also throw in a free fitted sheet just for you in a colour of your choice from our selection.

Click on the link below to immediately get onto our Sheridan collection now!

http://www.victorialinen.co.uk/acatalog/Sheridan-Luxury-Bed-Linen.html

 

Grab yourself a full designer bedding set in just one single click!

Kylie Minogue Ria Full Bedding Set
Kylie Minogue Ria Full Bedding Set

Do you find it a bit of a hassle sometimes trying to get a full set of bedding to match with the co-ordinating cushions and bed throws? It can take some time to browse around numerous stores to only leave with half the look you wanted. Here at Victoria Linen we all know this and know exactly how to make your life easier; that’s why we offer the purchase of the full bedding set within our designer bedding collections.

On nearly all of our entire designer bedding collections we offer the choice to purchase the full designer bedding sets which includes all of the linen and accessories seen in the related image shown however the majority don’t include the bedspread/throw but this is always directly underneath the full bedding set making it super easy to be added to the basket.

All of this can be purchased in just ONE click! Yes…you read that correctly, just one single click and it will all be sat in your basket waiting for your purchase. And what’s even better is that your don’t even need to leave the house to do so and it’ll get delivered straight to your door saving you the hassle of going on that high street hunt.

Also, when the full bed set is purchased there is 10-25% already marked off the price and you will receive a FREE fitted sheet which is available in up to 12 different colours so you will certainly be able to get one to match your new bedding.

Within our designer bed linen collections we have a wide range of bedding from designers such as Cath Kidston, Kylie Minogue, Dorma, Kirstie Allsopp and many more. Our newest addition is the Accessorize bedding which has proven to be very popular with a very high demand.

One designer bedding collection we provide is the Kylie Minogue at Home, this is definitely one of our top sellers as they are all so luxuriously made and look so glamorous made from the finest of fabrics including sateen’s, cottons and percales and they are embellished with glittering sequins, diamantes, pearls and frills.

To view our extent range of designer bedding and have the option to purchase one of the full bed sets then head on over to our website now via the link below and you will be instantly directed to the required page.. only a couple of clicks away from making a great purchase!

http://www.victorialinen.co.uk/acatalog/Designer_Range.html

Accessorize Scatter Butterflies Full Bedding Set
Accessorize Scatter Butterflies Full Bedding Set
Sheridan Alvarez Full Bedding Set
Sheridan Alvarez Full Bedding Set

 

 

 

 

Dorma will bring that hint of summer to your bedroom!

Now the weather is deciding to brighten up, why not brighten up your bedroom with some new spring/summery Dorma Bedding. Dorma have launched 2 new designs to their range with many more to come over the next couple of months.

Dorma is a traditional style bed linen company which dates back to 1921 when it first originated. They keep to their traditional style in their bedding with the patterns opting for a more floral and classic look. They make high quality bed linen with a thread count of at least 200 and they use mostly soft fibres like polycotton, 100% cotton and silk in their bedding that all offer great comfort to the customer. Before every Dorma product is packaged it is carefully checked for light and colour fastness, strength, resistance to pilling(bobbling) and shrinkage; therefore you know your new Dorma bed set is going to be the best and long lasting.

There is a wide selection of Dorma bedding on our website, with up to 9 designs to choose from, 2 of which are brand new designs. You’ll be sure to find the perfect luxury duvet set for your bedroom within this range even if it isn’t one of the brand new designs.

One of their newest designs is the ‘Loretta’ which is filled with florals in soft colours, perfect to brighten any room up to bring a hint of summer to the room. It is made from exquisite 100% cotton sateen with a 300 thread count and it is edged by the softest trim for an elegant look. This set is available in a range of sizes to suit everyone’s needs and there is also a luxurious matching bedspread available to give the bedroom that complete look.

Within our Dorma range you can purchase the full bed set together and receive a free fitted sheet and 10% off; the full bed set includes the duvet, pillowcases (mixture of different styles; housewife, oxford or square; it is dependent on the design) and cushions if there are any matching the set. There is often a bedspread with all designs which can also be purchased to get the complete look.

As well as selling Dorma bedding we also sell a wide range of other designer bedding from some of the top UK designers including Kirstie Allsopp, Cath Kidston, Anorak, Kylie Minogue and many more; so go ahead and check out the new range of Dorma bedding and other designers new collections on our website now!

http://www.victorialinen.co.uk/acatalog/Dorma_Bedding.html

Add a bunch of flowers to your bedroom!

We have just launched a new range to our designer bedding section on our website; the new range is by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, commonly known as Kew Gardens. The designs are filled with a selection of flowers filled with a mixture of soft, bold and bright colours.

Kew Garden - Rose Garden Duvet Set
Kew Garden – Rose Garden Duvet Set

Kew Gardens comprises 121 hectares of gardens and botanical glasshouses between Richmond and Kew in Southwest London. The director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is responsible for the world’s largest collection of living plants; there are more than 30,000 different types of flowers. Their bedding range is reflected upon their plant collection filled with floral patterns and an array of colours and contrasts. This collection is perfect for the spring/summer seasons adding a burst of colour and detail to the bedroom.

One of the designs which is available is one not to miss out on this season. The ‘Magnolia’ duvet cover is filled with soft pink magnolias sitting on a bright sly blue background; this duvet set will definitely bring a splash of colour and a hint of summer to your bedroom. There are matching pillowcases available in both oxford and housewife styles and a gorgeous embroidered cushion too which are available with this design to create that complete look.

Also, have you always dreamt of coming home to scattered roses on your bed? Then your wait could be over and you could be sleeping under a bunch of scattered roses instead every night; that can’t get any better! The ‘Rose Garden’ duvet cover is scattered with a bunch of flowers in an outstanding cerise pink sat on a crisp white background backed in white cotton with grey stripes.

To see the full range of our new floral Kew Gardens collection for spring 2013 then head over to our website now at http://www.victorialinen.co.uk/acatalog/Kew-Gardens-Bedding.html and get re-decorating to bring a burst of spring and summer to your bedroom!

Add a burst of Zandra to your bedroom!

 

Are bright, dramatic and extrovert designs your style? Then Zandra Rhodes’ new colourful bed linen for spring 2013 is bursting with vibrant colours. She has released three new designs which are all different in their own way filled with flowers, large spots and velvets. All of these are available from our website now at www.victorialinen.co.uk.

Zandra Rhodes Cosmo Bedding Set
Zandra Rhodes Cosmo Bedding Set

Zandra Rhodes is an English fashion designer whom was born in Chatham, Kent. She was introduced to the world of fashion by her mother, who was a fitter in a Paris fashion house and was a teacher in the College of Art, Medway. Rhodes brightly coloured hair, theatrical make-up and art jewellery she stamped her identity on the international world of fashion and her lifestyle is clearly reflected in her designs being dramatic, glamorous and extrovert.

One of the new designs available is called ‘Akita’ which is filled with large scaled flowers in a dramatic colour palette which dominate this design; they all sit on a crisp white background. This design will look stunning in any bedroom, especially with the addition of the black and fuchsia cushions to match.

Another of the designs is the ‘Cosmo’ which is bursting with bold overlapping spots in a range of vibrant colours which is emphasised further with the co-ordinating geometric reverse size. This duvet set will add a touch of liveliness and fun to your bedroom. There are also cushions to match this design too in bright colours in faux silks and velvets which complete the look.

So why not go ahead and treat yourself to one of the new collections from Zandra Rhodes designer bedding on our website now at http://www.victorialinen.co.uk/acatalog/Zandra_Rhodes_Duvet_Sets.html

Kylie Minogue Launches Her New Spring Collection

The time has once again come around for Kylie Minogue’s spring 2013 collection. The spring collection is full of opulent fabrics of shimmering organza, silky taffeta and iridescent weaves which are completed by exquisite details. This is an enchanting luxurious collection which will add some glamour to your bedroom.

The new designs are made with only the finest of fabrics; sateen’s, cottons and percales, and they are all embellished with glittering sequins, diamantes, pearls and frilled detailing; definitely the most glamorous duvets you will ever sleep under. There is at least a choice of three cushions to add to each design which are all different from each other.

Kylie Minogue Cassia Full Bed Set
Kylie Minogue Cassia Full Bed Set

At Victoria Linen we currently have two designs available; with more to come within the next 24 hours, there will be something to suit every bedroom decor. One of the designs available is the ‘Cassia’ which displays a beautiful ribbon ruffle detail to add a darkly elegant touch to the black satin. You can even add a dramatic layered look to this luxurious duvet set by adding the matching quilted bed spread and the embellished cushions.

Kylie Minogue Leopard Full Bed Set
Kylie Minogue Leopard Full Bed Set

Our second design available is the soft gold satin ‘Leopard’ duvet set which has stunning leopard print sequin panels on the duvet and pillowcases creating a glamorous and sophisticated look. To add even more glamour, the detailing continues onto the matching bed runner and gorgeous cushions. The ‘Gabriella’ cushion is a must buy to complete the look, made from indulgent camel velvet with a central sparkling diamante brooch.

All of the designs can be purchased in single, double, king and superking sizes with the pillowcases coming separate. We also offer an option to buy the full bed set and we will give you 10% off and a free fitted sheet. The full bed set includes:

  • 1 x duvet cover
  • 2 x oxford pillowcases
  • 2 x square pillowcases
  • 3 x cushions (the particular cushions will be stated on the product page).

To see the two new designs from the spring collection and the complete Kylie minogue bedding collection we have available, visit our website at http://www.victorialinen.co.uk/acatalog/Kylie_Minogue_at_home_2.html . Be sure to re-visit in the next 24 hours to see the full range of the new collection!