HARRISVILLE DESIGN FLOOR LOOM
I restored this Model A, 4 shaft loom.
Orginially manufactured in 1974
What can I tell you about this loom?
Partly a reaction to the end of the Industrial Revolution, The New Brunswick Provincial Government established the Handicrafts Branch, and the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Fredericton, to preserve cottage industries beginning in the 1930's.
The looms were built by two brothers under the name "G & T Craftsmen" in Millville, New Brunswick, Canada beginning in the 1920's. The School bought the looms, trained people to weave on them and then sent the students home with a loom. A system much like the Madawaska weavers used until recently.
By the 1960's, the cottage industry idea seems to have started to wane and a program of summer courses in Fundy National Park was established. Looms were moved to Fundy for the summer then back to Fredericton for the winter until the programs stopped and the equipment was sold off and replaced by more compact looms in the 1970's.
Whether G & T Craftsmen were in the loom business on their own or were contracted by the government is unknown at this time. The brothers also built a rigid heddle loom with their label on it, so they made more than just floor looms.
By my count, there are 14 Millville Looms known to exist at this time. One of the looms is still in the hands of a woman who went through the training program in New Brunswick. Current list of looms, their serial numbers (if known) and their locations are listed below.
I have not done any formal research to collaborate this history. It is what I have learned from other Millville Loom owners.
