{"id":2569,"date":"2022-06-04T15:17:19","date_gmt":"2022-06-04T14:17:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.forgemill.org.uk\/web\/?page_id=2569"},"modified":"2026-01-24T17:59:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T17:59:47","slug":"archives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.forgemill.org.uk\/web\/archives\/","title":{"rendered":"Archives"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Museum Archives<\/h1>\n

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Forge Mill Needle Museum holds extensive archives related to the needle and fishing tackle industries of Redditch and the surrounding areas.<\/p>\n

Some of the archives have come from the needle and fishing tackle factories themselves thanks to a few enlightened individuals who had the foresight to document the activities of their own factories and companies. These archives \u2013 whilst collected on an ad hoc basis \u2013 offer a unique and fascinating insight into how the companies coped with both local and foreign competition. It is also clear that they understood the importance of innovation, improvement, diversification and advertising if they were to survive.<\/p>\n

Within the archives are publications about the needle and fishing tackle trades, which form an important contemporaneous source of information. Some are by external visitors who came to try and understand why Redditch was so successful in dominating the needle industry. Most of these articles\/publications are now out of print, so we have included these in the lists.<\/p>\n

Of particular note to collectors of sewing tools and accessories might be the company catalogues. These have lovely clear illustrations showing the range of sewing accessories that the companies sold alongside their needles \u2013 everything from scissors and thimbles to crochet hooks and hatpins.<\/p>\n

The museum also has an extensive collection of fishing tackle catalogues \u2013 some photocopies and some originals \u2013 which are very useful for helping to date rods, reels and baits.<\/p>\n

The museum holds a lot of information about the origins of the families who became associated with and intrinsically linked to the needle\/fishing tackle trades. We have a good collection of family trees<\/a> derived from collected information and census work.<\/p>\n

To make the information more manageable, we have categorised the archives<\/a> into thematic areas. The lists are by no means exhaustive and if you wish to access the archives or obtain copies of documents, then please email the museum<\/a>. (Please note that there may be a small charge for photocopying).<\/p>\n

Jo-Ann Gloger<\/strong>
Keeper of Collections<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Scan from catalogue of Abel Morrall Ltd, Clive Works, Redditch<\/p>\n

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Scan from catalogue of Edgar Sealey and Sons Ltd, Brockhill Works, Redditch<\/p>\n

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Scan from catalogue of Kirby Beard and Co<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.forgemill.org.uk\/web\/wp-content\/uploads\/arc-williambartleet.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Image – William Bartleet” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ animation_style=”slide” border_radii=”on|12px|12px|12px|12px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#999999″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text – Caption” _builder_version=”4.17.3″ text_font_size=”11px” text_line_height=”1.3em” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Scan from catalogue of William Bartleet and Sons Ltd, Redditch<\/p>\n

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WHAT TO SEE<\/h3>\n

Forge Mill<\/a>
Bordesley Abbey<\/a>
Visitor Centre<\/a><\/p>\n

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WHAT TO DO<\/h3>\n

Events<\/a>
Exhibitions<\/a>
Play Area<\/a>
Walking Trail<\/a>
Workshops<\/a>
Talks<\/a>
Education<\/a><\/p>\n

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YOUR VISIT<\/h3>\n

Opening Hours<\/a>
Admission Prices<\/a>
Directions<\/a>
Shop<\/a>
Facilities<\/a>
Accessibility<\/a>
Group Visits<\/a>
Downloads<\/a><\/p>\n

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ABOUT US<\/h3>\n

Meet the Staff<\/a>
Volunteers<\/a>
Venue Hire<\/a>
Museum Archives<\/a>
Archives Catalogue<\/a>
Family Trees<\/a>
Contact Us<\/a><\/p>\n

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01527 62509<\/h1>\n

Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane
Riverside
Redditch
B98 8HY

Privacy Policy<\/a><\/p>\n

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PROUD TO BE PART OF<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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