Artificial silk (rayon) was invented towards the end of the 19th century, while the first synthetic fabric, nylon, again a cheaper substitute for silk, was first produced in 1939. By the 1950s these materials were fashionable and in high demand. Cheshire was able quickly to adapt, having traditionally been the home of British silk weaving. Yorkshire meanwhile, with its history in wool and linen was less able to move into these new fibres. Astbury's work in Leeds was presented to the Clothworker's Guild with this in mind.

On loan from ULITA.