'Make Do and Mend'...or just 'Make It' - NEEDLES & PINS

THE QUESTION IS....WHERE DO THEY ALL GO?

NEEDLES

Above is a small selection of early needle packets from the turn of the century, except the 'Lighthouse' packet which has a 1930's Art Deco design. 

The company of John James & Sons merged with Henry Milward & Sons in 1912 and still manufactures needles today. The rival company Morris & Yeomans was in business from 1870 to 1940, all three companies were based in Redditch. A town famous for this export which is now home to the Forge Mill Needle Museum ( it can't be a very large building!) 

The novelist Charles Dickens mentioned his visit in his journal 'Households words'

“We have been to Redditch, that remarkable little....town, to see needles made....because our English needles of today are spreading all over the known world, wherever exchange of commodities is going on. We are allowed to go over the Victoria Works, the manufactory of Mr John James.  That so many (needles) should go forth into the world from one house is wonderful enough....but the making ready for sale exhibits a miracle of dexterity”

 The 60's type face on these 'HALLS' needles is reminiscent to the 'RIZLA' logo, perhaps created by the same designer?

 PINS
Just a couple of examples of pin packets, Marvellous Plated Pins dates from the late 20's to 30's and here we have a lovely unopened pack of Newey's pins from the 70's