Textiles and Fashion in the 18th Century

• Textiles & Fashion

• 18^th Century
• 19^th Century
• 20^th Century

Salesman's sample book

The technique for weaving Manchester velvets, long-wearing cotton textiles used for men's waistcoats and breeches, was a closely guarded manufacturers' secret. In a famous instance of industrial espionage, English expatriate John Holker secretly handed over to the French more than one hundred samples of British textiles, including Manchester velvets.