TREASURE DESCRIPTION:
1. A black and white trade film from 1935 showing the silk printing process at the Liberty Mill on the River Wandle.
2. Colour film from 1972 of models in Liberty print dresses by Abbey Mills. Medium for Both: 16mm Film.
The process that created the iconic prints of Liberty and Willliam Morris is not commonly used and the first film serves as a visual documentation of elements such as the block printing itself, setting the dye with steaming, and the washing of the silks in the water of the Wandle. Both films also offer a rare chance to see a Wandle mill wheel turning. The fashions shown in the second film reflect the enduring fashion appeal that Liberty prints continue to have on popular culture.
These treasures were made as part of The Building Exploratory, Wandle Treasures project. This project was part of the wider Living Wandle Landscape Partnership Scheme, funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
