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Learn about the history behind our documentary film archive from the 1940s.
Border Weave
About the film
Keen to strike a balance between modern machinery and traditional hand-made skills, Border Weave shows the production of Scottish wool, in stunning Technicolor.
Details
- Release year - 1941
- Director - John Lewis Curthoys
- Production company - Turner Films
- Cinematographer - Jack Cardiff
- Composer - William Alwyn
- Narration - Joseph Macleod
- Editor - Reginald Beck
- Sound recording - Harold King
- Running time (minutes) - 14 mins 40 secs
Original description
Scotland's woollen industry
'From all over the world comes wool for Border looms. The theme of this film of the Scottish woollen industry is the weaving of Border cloth. From the preliminary grading and scouring of the wool, the blending of dyes, and the spinning of yarn, each process is described in detail.'
(Films of Britain - British Council Film Department Catalogue - 1942-43)
Did you know?
- One of the establishing shots is set in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. Mr Primrose, who served at secretary to the British Council Film Committee, retired to this village after leaving the British Council Film Department in 1946.
- Border Weave was made in co-operation with the Scottish Woollen Export Council.
- Records suggest that the working title for this film may have been 'Close Knit'.
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