Item 64: J Model, 20-Harness Dobby Loom (rear view), Draper Company

Printed in 1974 from glass plate negative no.A64. 1894-1900. Image depicts the rear view of a J model dobby loom, with 20 harnesses, photographed against a sheet, probably in an unknown mill. A dobby loom is a loom equipped with a dobby and capable of weaving small figures. The dobby is a mechanism attached to a loom for controlling the operation of the harnesses. Dobbies are made so that they can operate up to 25 harnesses and by this means figured cloths can be woven. The harness is the frame containing the heddles through which the warp threads are drawn prior to weaving. By lifting or lowering the harnesses in the loom the shed is formed. The shed is the opening formed when some warp threads are raised by their harnesses while others are left down. Forming the shed is the first action in weaving, and it is through the shed that the shuttle passes in inserting the filling. See Item 62, in this folder, for the front view of this loom and Item 63, in this folder, for what is probably the side view of this loom. The Draper Company manufactured textile machinery, primarily looms. 25 x 20.25 cm.