How did you become interested in Craft?
When taught simple weaving as a bed patient in an Army Hospital. When my wife took up weaving I changed to making looms as a hobby and sold 300 of them. When I lost her I turned to weaving myself.
What has given you the biggest buzz?
Buying back three of my table looms from the Guild (rather beat up after 30 years of service). These I added to one I had at home to make a 16-shaft loom which opened new horizons for me. Then approaching 90 years, I was having difficulty threading and denting, but multi-shaft meant I could do thousands of patterns on the same twill or point twill threading.
What is your favourite colour?
I like blue as a colour, but for weaving often use red and green together for contrast.
How has the Guild assisted you in your Craft?
I took courses in 4 and 8-shaft weaving at the Guild and have received much encouragement (and friendly criticism) from members, which has helped me keep my feet on the ground.
Is there anything you would like to share with us?
The knowledge that multi-shaft weaving is not complex, but in fact simpler. By using 15 metre warps and when they are used up, tying the new warp to the remnant of the old. Thread to thread. I have totally eliminated threading and denting from the operation.
Harold recently celebrated his 90th birthday with a surprise party and quite a number of his weaving friends enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon. Harold is an inspiration to us all.
Editor, Treadles
Harold celebrates his 90th birthday with spinning & weaving friends
