We recently discovered in our archives a 1971 reissue of The Century’s Progress, a comprehensive illustrated account of Yorkshire’s industrial and commercial life in the nineteenth century.
Originally published by The London Printing & Engraving Co. in 1893, this book combines wood engravings with the format of earlier trade directories. It not only provides an insightful overview of the key towns during the Industrial Revolution, including Bradford, but also offers one of the earliest glimpses into the origins of Fortune & Bentham, with a dedicated article on its formation.
As detailed in the article, Fortune & Bentham entered into partnership in 1879 and later acquired the business of Mr. John Feather from Keighley. This move enabled them to expand their manufacturing of wool-combing machines. They became the sole producers of the circles for the Ratus system used in Noble’s combing machines, a recognition they earned after being awarded the Gold Medal at the Royal Yorkshire Jubilee Exhibition in Saltaire in 1887.
