Manufacture of Ultramarine Blue

The Blue Mills as it was known locally was owned by Reckitt & Coleman and produced for many years ultramarine blue.

Here we can see the mill with Barkers Wood Yard in the distance.

The Old Joiners and Engineering Shop

Here we can see what was known as the Joiners and Engineers shop. Before the renovation work it housed a lathe with turners and fitters, a joiner and his mate and two builders all of whom kept the mill working.

The Blue Mills in full production

The photo was taken from Brow Edge showing the new A590 and the valley as it was during full production. The small could be very bad and many things including the work force were covered in blue dust.
 
The workers who have retired tend to suffer with breathing difficulties in old age from the production processes used years ago.

Meet some of the people who actually did the work

Photo call in the drying sheds - let us know if you recognise anyone!