Historic Halifax looms to manufacture carpets again

There are only three narrow loom carpet manufacturers in the UK, and one of them, based in Halifax, stopped production in 2020. However, a new company has purchased its looms, which date from the 1850s, with plans to start carpet production again in Halifax soon.

Speaking to the Halifax Courier, Richard Hughes, of carpet manufacturer Avena Carpets, which purchased the looms, said:

“We feel we’re now in charge of looking after the heritage of carpet weaving in Halifax.”

There are 10 looms located at Dean Clough in Halifax, five of which will start carpet production again, and the other five will be in storage.

Narrow looms make very fine pitch quality carpets, and there are few left in the world. The looms can create the much-sought-after three shot and 13 row per inch qualities, which make highly decorative carpets. Avena Carpets also bought original mid-19th-century carpet designs as part of the loom purchase, which the company are preserving as historic documents available to interior designers and curators.

The company is taking on eight new staff in Halifax and starting an apprenticeship scheme to pass on the skills of making quality carpets to the next generation.

People don't need to purchase expensive, luxury carpets made using narrow loom machines to enjoy the warmth and comfort of carpets in Chester, Wrexham and North Wales homes. There is a wide range of high-quality carpets available in traditional or more contemporary designs to suit all decor styles.