Attic firm celebrated 60 years (From Lancashire Telegraph)
When news happens, text LT and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
Attic firm celebrated 60 years
2:50pm Thursday 26th April 2012 in Looking Back
By Gill Johnson, Features writer
A COLNE firm, which had started in an attic in Varley Street at the turn of the century, celebrated its diamond birthday in 1964.
By then, Peerart was exporting all over Europe and to the Commonwealth and was the biggest firm in its field in the country.
It produced a wide range of occasional furniture, decorated by hand, pictures and furnishing accessories.
The business had first been launched in 1904, by Herbert Halstead and two uncles, on a capital of £8, after a successful sale at a bazaar at the Inghamite Church.
And they had to set to work in the attic after 10-hours shifts in the mill.
Increasing output year on year, they expanded into bigger and bigger premises and in 1964 operated in Hagg Street mill.
Peerart had never had a strike and was the first firm in Colne to introduce a five day week.
Herbert was followed into the business by his son Roland and grandsons Peter and Stephen.
Comments are closed on this article.
