SOUND ARCHIVE

Title: Living Linen Interview LL2_R00/66
Object Name: Sound Recording : Magnetic Tape, Reel
Maker: Graham, Jim (Mr) (Primary maker)
Graham, Jim (Mr) (interviewee)
Date Made: 07/09/2000
07/09/2000
Description: Sound Recording on Reel: John Compton's. Library Transcript: Transcript. Summary: Jim Graham was the third generation of Graham's to work for John Compton's. Compton's was to be his one and only employer. He began in 1939 as an apprentice manager. The then Managing Director (and owner) was Captain Noel S Smith. The original Compton's plant was on the Callen river, between Armagh and Milfort. These works were destroyed by fire in the early 1930s and the firm relocated to a purpose-built factory at Glenanne. Compton's was among the first firms to install direct electric drive to their looms. When Mr Graham started in 1939 they had 140 looms. They also generated their own electricity through water turbines. These turbines supplied the works and a number of factory houses in the vicinity. Compton's specialised in mattress 'tickings'. These were originally woven from linen-cotton unions, but as time passed spun rayon became the most commonly used material. They produced a range of ticking qualities, plains and damasks, using yarns with a lea count of 20s - 45s. Although mattress tickings are covered, quality and design remained important selling points. Floral designs were particularly popular. Compton's also produced a hunting scene, on a rayon cloth, that was sold to the Royal Family. During WWII Compton's suspended their damask weaving and produced utility fabrics and fatigues for the MoD. Comptons had their own yarn bleaching and dyeing plant. They also had a water treatment plant, although effluent discharge became a problem in latter years with tightening regulations. Compton's had a large export business; with agents in London, Australia and Canada. They also had standing contracts with hospital authorities. These tickings were often finished in a black and white herringbone pattern. Mr Graham's first job after completing his training was assisting the factory manager Mr Boland. This involved some personnel duties. Compton's started up a full time training unit, away from the factory, that replaced the traditional method of learning by example (standing with Mary). Incoming legislation demanded that mattresses conform to certain flammability and fume tests. Compton's could apply a special flame resistant finish to tickings on site. Mr Graham was made Production Director/General manager in the early 1950s. Compton's replaced their shuttle looms with Dornier rapiers in the, ?1970s. This meant that each weaver could tend 8 instead of a pair of looms. Labour relations were good in Glenanne. Vacancies were filled by local enquiries and by word of mouth. In latter years when the textile industry was seen as a less attractive proposition by young people, Compton's arranged for local schools to be given conducted tours of the factory. Compton's tried to improve working conditions and set up a community centre where workers could play snooker, darts and table tennis. In 1949/50 Compton's bought over the struggling McCrum, Watson and Mercer business in Milfort. This was re-equipped with modern looms and used to expand the ticking business. The key personnel were retained although the name was changed to Callen Valley Mills (CVM). CVM shut in the early l 980s and although efforts were made to rationalise production at Glenanne, Compton's shut in 1986. Mr Graham retired in 1986 with 47 years’ service. The IDB had been assisting Compton's and installed John Lund as a consultant. After Compton's failed Mr Lund bought the firm from the receivers and continues to operate a small linen weaving unit today. CVM is today a mushroom growing factory.
Catalogue Number: HOYFM.R2000.130
Notes: National Museums NI

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