Astley, J and R 001

b05138. J. and R. Astley, Reed and Heald Works, Shaw Street. A reed is the part of a loom which resembles a comb. It is used to push the weft yarn into place as it is woven. Each thread in the warp passes through a heald or heddle, which is used to separate the warp threads for the passage of the weft. The typical heddle is made of cord or wire, and is suspended on a shaft of a loom. The date over the door is 1888. Date of photograph c1970's M. 3