Here you can see the process of ‘stamping’ or forming the needle eyes.
Image 2 (below) shows mechanised eyeing machines which worked just like the old kickstamps, but one machine could produce 5-6 million needles per week.
1) The power press shop c. 1925. The wall at the far end was knocked down in 1928 when the Gas Engine behind it was removed and shops nos. 26 and 110 were built.
The image shows Howard Jennings, Nellie Simons, Toby Robinson, Lizzie Wiggett, Harriet Smith and Flo Bant.
2) The needle stamping shop, showing Albert Shakles, Frank Cox, Bob Smallwood, Vic Payne and Charlie Haynes.
3) Needle stamping with E Holloway and H Trueman.
4) Toby Robinson shown operating the drop hammer, and Albert Jones on the 100 tonne power press.
5) Toby Robinson, Albert Jones and Graham Ladbury in the distance on the right, and Jimmy Joynes and Barney Waring working the kickstamps.