The Scottish Arm of the English Sewing Cotton Company

 I'm mystified as to why the English Sewing Cotton Company had members that were based in Scotland. The ESCC had been set up as a response to the amalgamation of the big Scottish thread concerns such as Coats and Clarks. Why didn't Crawfords and Alexanders join this grouping? Were they refused entry for some reason? Or had they just not been approached? Further digging needs to take place. 

Crawford's of Barrmill in Beith had been established in 1775. They were well known for their linen and embroidery threads and they were founder members of the ESCC in 1897. However, they didn't seem to stay members for long. In 1908, Crawford's amalgamated with other companies both in the UK and US to form The Linen Thread Company.

But Scotland continued to have a presence in the ESCC, and it was one that was to become very important to the combine. RF & J Alexander & Co joined a year after the launch, in 1898. Alexander's had been formed in Glasgow in the 1820s. The company had been bought out by James Orr & Co, whose premises were at Crofthead Mills in Neilston, Renfrewshire.  Alexander's work moved here, keeping their identity. 

From the ESCC publication, "Through the Eye of a Needle"

Crofthead Mills were an imposing addition to the otherwise rural landscape, and had been rebuilt and enlarged in 1881. High quality sewing thread, that had a warrant from Queen Victoria, was produced here. But most interesting to the ESCC devotee is the bobbin mill that was added around 1900. This took advantage of the location to turn trees into wooden bobbins for all of the members products,  including the beloved Sylko reel. This part was closed in 1968 no doubt due to the conversion to plastic. 

Crofthead Mills completely closed down in 1993 but the buildings remain as a listed structure. According to the most recent Google Streetview image (below) it is being used for a haulage company but there are for sale signboards on display. 






Click here for a bobbin themed story



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