Aldred Farrer Barker correspondence and papers
Contains digital mediaDetails
Type of record: Archive
Title: Aldred Farrer Barker correspondence and papers
Classmark: MS 1565
Creator(s): Barker, Aldred F (1868-1964)()
Date(s): 1869-1960?
Language: English
Size and medium: 43 boxes; 14.6 metres
Persistent link: https://explore.library.leeds.ac.uk/special-collections-explore/7140
Description
The collection contains the professional and personal papers of Aldred Farrer Barker. These include papers and correspondence about his textile related interests and his work on sheep breeding and wool production. It also encompasses correspondence to his family. There are sketchbooks and drawings by Barker.
The collection includes 3 separate accruals, none have been fully catalogued
Biography or history
Aldred Farrer Barker was a Professor of Textile Industries at the University of Leeds from 1914 to 1933. Born in Oulton, Leeds, in 1868, he was the son of Benjamin and Ellen Barker. Benjamin was a flannel manufacturer with a factory on Kirkstall Road, Leeds. Interested in art, Benjamin was a member of the Leeds City Art Gallery committee.
Aldred Farrer Barker gained a Clothworker's Company Scholarship to study at the Yorkshire College. After graduating in 1887 he became the Headmaster of the Textile Department at Saltaire Technical School. In 1894 he was appointed Professor of Textile Industries at Bradford Technical College where he established the Textile School.
Barker wrote widely on textile design and processes. He was particularly interested in sheep breeding and wool production. Travelling extensively, he authored papers and books on the textile industries of the United States, Canada, Peru and Australia. In 1938 he emigrated to Australia where he set up a business named 'Barkers' Textile Property Ltd.' with English capital. This wove cloth, including woollens and worsteds, in Melbourne, Victoria. Barker was in business with his sons, Aldred, and Kenneth.
In 1953 Barkers' Textiles, transferred part of their business to Portland. After a trial run in a drill hall, the company set up a factory manufacturing fabric out of fine wool yarn in 1955. Barker died in Portland in July 1964.
Access and usage
Access
Some parts of this collection have not been listed in detail and the content may be protected under the Data Protection Act and other relevant legislation. Please consult the relevant part of the catalogue for specific details. Where a detailed record does not exist, please contact Special Collections. Upon receipt of your request, a member of the team will discuss your requirements with you and review relevant material accordingly