Yardworks

For my MA Fine Art – Site & Archive at UCLAN in Preston, I have been focusing on a site specific project which has led me on a journey of uncovering the past, recognising the present and developing the future possibilities of this empty, light industry wasteground. Once, it was the Yardworks, Horrockses & Sons model site of empirical prosperity, a world unto itself inside the high brick wall encompassing the site. Now, all that is left are a few sections of brick walls, maps and a fabulous model of the site at the Harris museum & art gallery.

YARDWORKS

By Rachel Riggs

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This blog will document and display artworks and interventions inspired by the site in my final year. As well as posting information and images, there will opportunities to comment and feedback during the process.

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The journey is regularly documented here.

History Notes -

Founded by John Horrocks 1791, one of the most successful full cotton manufacturing companies in the world, exporting internationally till 1960’s.

Preston was purely a cotton town mostly engaged in spinning cotton from America to sell to India, The Yardworks dealt with every stage of cotton spinning and weaving. The late modernization of mills resulted in rising production costs, unable to compete in world market.

Yardworks closed in 1962. Last few buildings demolished in 2001.

Textile labels for cloth sold in India, used children, animals as well as fairies to promote products as high status, desirable.

Many mills used child labour in notoriously bad conditions forcing down wage levels for adult workers. Girls easier to control

Birth increased at an alarming rate during industrial revolution. New demands of factory system ensured  children were seen more than ever as an economic resource.

High infant mortality rate due to young mothers going back to work a few days after giving birth and rushing back and forward to nurse her baby from work day after day until mother and baby completely exhausted.

The factory act of 1819 prohibited children under 9 from working in cotton mills and limited those under 16 to twelve hours a day. Half timers 1844 act , 6 hours work per day and school 3 hours.

‘The Half Timer’ painting by Patti Mayor in 1906 of Annie Hill ‘a little tenter’ at Horrockses. Taken on Women’s day march in London 1907 by suffragette Edith Rigby to highlight the conditions of the working classes.

‘the courts and alleys behind the main streets swarm with people, the poor’ Edwin Waugh 1802

In 1848, life expectancy for the poor was 18 years against 49 years for wealthier residents in Preston.

In 2006, 74 years for men, 79 for women, still less than the regional and national average.

For 15 years in the late 19co’s, 250 deaths per 1000 – infant mortality rate highest in Uk

In Victorian times, death in young children, especially young girls, was seen as a suitable subject for artists and photographers