Stott and Sons: Architects of the Lancashire cotton mill
Roger HoldenIn Lancashire the cotton mill dominates many a skyline, even today. Stott and Sons is a unique and fascinating study of one of the most crucial architectural practices working in this field. Over 150 illustrations and gazetteer.
In the second half of the nineteenth century Oldham became the major cotton spinning town in Britain and architects from Oldham came to dominate the business of designing cotton spinning mills in Lancashire. This book traces the history of Stott & Sons, who were one of the oldest and most prominent firms in the business.
The firm was a family business, originating in 1847 when Abraham Henthorn Stott, senior, set up an office in Oldham and he was later joined in partnership by two of his sons. They were also involved in the promotion of cotton spinning companies and, as a general architectural practice, designed other buildings including houses, schools and a watch factory. The records of the firm have not survived, but the author has used a variety of sources ranging from Building Regulation records to newspapers and trade journals. Most importantly he has looked at the mills themselves in the belief that industrial archaeology has a major contribution to make in understanding the history of the Lancashire cotton industry.
`The interpretation of Lancashire's industrial landscape will be enhanced by this study which is expertly contextualized, and which comfortably integrates a history of an industry with that of its buildings.' Northern History
`Many of the big spinning mills have been demolished or truncated; but enough remain to make a visit to Greater Manchester well worth while. Mr Holden's thoroughly researched book is the ideal companion. Textile History
`This is probably the first publication to examine in detail the role of specialist architects in the design and construction of the hundreds of Victorian and Edwardian cotton mills which still dominate the landscape of industrial Lancashire. It is a more focused work than other recent books on textile mills, aiming to provide a comprehensive review of the business and family history of Stott and Sons.' Industrial Archaeology Review
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