08-07-2018, 09:56 AM (This post was last modified: 08-07-2018, 10:01 AM by Malcolm Parker.)
I had some moquette upholstery material made back in 1999 for my 1931 RL saloon. It was made by John Holdsworth and Co, Shaw Lodge Mills, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 9ET.
Holdsworth's were the leading manufacturer of moquette in the world at that time. They have since been taken over by another firm but as far as I know still specialise in fabrics for the transport industry. At the time they did my moquette, they were working on carraiges for the Orient Express, each car had a ladies name which was incorporated in the design of the moquette.
My moquette was based on a sample they had in stock taken from under the back seat of a 1920's Rolls Royce saloon. It is the pattern shown on page 48 of 'The Original Austin 7' by Rinsey Mills. Interestingly, the same pattern moquette was used in the Austin works twin cam racer restored a few years ago by Keith Taylor.
I still have sufficient quantity of the moquette to do another car but I am keeping it for another project. If anyone would like a sample of the material I would be happy to oblige.
08-07-2018, 11:16 AM (This post was last modified: 08-07-2018, 11:42 AM by JonE.)
Malcolm - could you explain the difference between Moquette and Rep/s, from your own project knowledge and the information extended about Tapestry here? I am still unsure of the terminology and material, but what is your moquette made from? It seems that the poor wear characteristics of Tapestry was because it was perhaps cotton.
As it happens, I owned some of the original images from Rinsey so can legally post one of them here.. for ref to Malcolm's moquette pattern... 1930 RK.
What is interesting is that moquette is not listed as an option in the brochures - its only listed on the larger cars. Presumably it was just an extra cost (or no cost) option for leather as per people being able to select whatever colours they liked?
From those that have viewed the Austin ledgers, are there examples of other interior trims physically recorded (i.e. like 'Taps') that might help with the full range experienced on Sevens?
08-07-2018, 12:39 PM (This post was last modified: 08-07-2018, 12:40 PM by Tony Press.)
(08-07-2018, 11:16 AM)JonE Wrote: Malcolm - could you explain the difference between Moquette and Rep/s, from your own project knowledge and the information extended about Tapestry here? I am still unsure of the terminology and material, but what is your moquette made from? It seems that the poor wear characteristics of Tapestry was because it was perhaps cotton.
As it happens, I owned some of the original images from Rinsey so can legally post one of them here.. for ref to Malcolm's moquette pattern... 1930 RK.
What is interesting is that moquette is not listed as an option in the brochures - its only listed on the larger cars. Presumably it was just an extra cost (or no cost) option for leather as per people being able to select whatever colours they liked?
From those that have viewed the Austin ledgers, are there examples of other interior trims physically recorded (i.e. like 'Taps') that might help with the full range experienced on Sevens?
Moquette is material with a 'pile' like a carpet, Rep is a woven material with a 'cord' like finish- both from my understanding quite unlike Tapestry.
Tony - do you mean tapestry as in the general cloth construction, or 'Tapestry' as in the (directly named) material in in the Valencia RF car? I'm not being pedantic, just seeking clarification! I'm presently assuming the named 'Tapestry' is a rep, with the name just being a play on the pattern perhaps. All very confusing.
Proper moquette is like a very thin carpet, with the surface made up of tiny loops of thread. As they say in Yorkshire, it 'wears like pin wire', which is why it was used extensively for bus and railway carriage seats.
There is uncut and cut moquette. The stuff I used is uncut. When it is cut the surface is cut away in a pattern, often a 'Paisley' or similar.
Beautiful.
The Company of Weavers defines: 'Usually made with wool or mohair pile with a cotton backing', so I'm presuming its probably wool in 1930 for Austin.
"Tapestry" is not tapestry at all but a woven fabric (they had marketing 'spin' even in the 30's). Katherine's guess when I spoke to her yesterday - as a weaver of upholstery fabrics, with no specialist knowledge concerning these specific applications as far as I'm aware - was that "Tapestry" is woven from worsted wool. The term 'worsted' refers to the method by which the wool is spun.
(08-07-2018, 03:02 PM)Chris KC Wrote: "Tapestry" is not tapestry at all but a woven fabric (they had marketing 'spin' even in the 30's). Katherine's guess when I spoke to her yesterday - as a weaver of upholstery fabrics, with no specialist knowledge concerning these specific applications as far as I'm aware - was that "Tapestry" is woven from worsted wool. The term 'worsted' refers to the method by which the wool is spun.
"Tapestry is a heavy textile with a woven design, often made of cotton or linen blends and sometimes including gold or silver thread.
Also referred to as Jacquard, due to its woven design using a Jacquard loom, tapestry is ideal for heavier upholstery projects including curtains, blinds, bed heads, wall hangings and more."
(08-07-2018, 09:56 AM)Malcolm Parker Wrote: I had some moquette upholstery material made back in 1999 for my 1931 RL saloon. It was made by John Holdsworth and Co, Shaw Lodge Mills, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 9ET.
Holdsworth's were the leading manufacturer of moquette in the world at that time. They have since been taken over by another firm but as far as I know still specialise in fabrics for the transport industry. At the time they did my moquette, they were working on carraiges for the Orient Express, each car had a ladies name which was incorporated in the design of the moquette.
My moquette was based on a sample they had in stock taken from under the back seat of a 1920's Rolls Royce saloon. It is the pattern shown on page 48 of 'The Original Austin 7' by Rinsey Mills. Interestingly, the same pattern moquette was used in the Austin works twin cam racer restored a few years ago by Keith Taylor.
I still have sufficient quantity of the moquette to do another car but I am keeping it for another project. If anyone would like a sample of the material I would be happy to oblige.
Hi Malcom
Do you remember how much material was needed to upholster your car (width and length of roll)
and what parts of the car did this cover?
Cheers Kim Rose
