Item 8: Full Decating, 1952

Gelatin silver print. Image depicts machinery used in the process of full decating fabric. Decating is a finishing process done on woolen and worsted fabrics to set the nap and develop the luster of the material. A male employee is visible behind the rolls of material. Text: "Full Decating. The fabric is put on a perforated roll under tension with a heavy cotton leader of sateen weave. This roll is placed into a cylinder which is hermetically sealed. The air is pumped out thus creating a vacuum. Then steam is injected and left on for several minutes. The roll is now allowed to cool and the fabric removed. This process sets the fabric and imparts a desiered luster." 25.5 x 20.5cm. (w/out mount); 27 x 20.5 cm. (w/mount).