Machinist: A worker at the Dalton underwear factory of Blair’s shown around 1970
DALTON bra and girdle specialists James Simpson Blair was founded in 1880.
The parent company in Manchester closed in 1968 with production moving to a new 21,000sq ft extension at Dalton.
It had the capacity for up to 2,500 garments a week — including lingerie, hostess coats and beach coats.
Back in 1968 you could start work, aged 15, on £5.50 per week as a trainee sewing machinist.
In 1969 you could earn up to 25p per hour as a die cutter working for what was called Blair Foundations, at Hollygate Road, Dalton.
In 1983 Blair’s stock and equipment was sold at auction.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here