Tackler

A tackler was a supervisor in a textile factory responsible for the working of a number of power looms and the weavers who operated them.^[1] The title derived from the job, which was to "tackle" any mechanical problems encountered with the looms in their charge. Invariably male, they had a reputation for gullibility and were the butt of many jokes.^[2]

At Queen Street Mill, Burnley, a tackler is running two Pemberton 'Burnley' Looms, in a six loom set. You see him start the loom by moving the leather drive belt from the idler to the drive wheel and the motion of the loom. He replenishes a shuttle and has both looms working.

References

Notes

1. "tackler, n.", Oxford English Dictionary (online ed.), Oxford University Press, 2012, retrieved 9 March 2013 (subscription required)
2. Worthington (2002), p. 191

Bibliography

• Worthington, Barry (2002), Discovering Manchester:A Walking Guide to Manchester and Salford – Plus Suburban Strolls and Visits to Surrounding Attractions, Sigma Leisure, ISBN 978-1-85058-774-3

Further reading

• Mather, Geoffrey (2003). Tackler's Tales: A Humorous Look at Lancashire. Palatine Books. ISBN 978-1874181194.