| Description | Fabric swatches in folders, some with design numbers. Also includes five books comprising part of a much larger collection of 20 boxes of books donated to the London College of Fashion library, most of which were added to stock. These particular items were not added to stock because images had been cut out, presumably by D.A. Butler, and used for inspiration for textile designs, but were typical of the type of books he liked to use. Also includes a design folder, useful in identifying the source of some of the designs including postcards, adverts and images from brochures. Some of the designs, which include design numbers and instructions to the printer, can be traced through to some of the swatches in the collection. None of the designs are dated though most have a design number which might indicate a sequence. |
| Individual or organisational biography | The Hayes Textiles Ltd company was based at Vencourt Place, 261-271 King Street, London W6 9LW. The directors were D.A. Butler, M.J. Nettleton, S. Ryman and possibly B.W. Dawson. The company was described as "Specialists in high quality Jacquard Fabrics" and was registered as "Hayes Fierz". The company produced fabric, possibly printed in Switzerland, for the Nigerian head cloth market. A unique compound was added to the fabrics to make them stiffer allowing for more elaborate shapes to be created. This compound remained a secret. An exhibition on the collection was held in the Fashion Space Gallery at the London College of Fashion curated by Kelly Carmichael and Maureen Power (MA students at LCF) called "Transposing Boundaries and Sharing Culture, Nigeria and the World" in October 2005. It is believed that Hayes Fabrics continue to be marketed possibly through a company called Fidelity Textiles (P) Ltd. (http://fidelitytextiles.com/about.htm). An Africapresents website http://www.africapresents.com/4.html refers to "Hayes original" fabrics as if they were a recognised type. |
| Custodial History | Collection was created by Hayes Textiles Ltd. company founded by Mr D.A. Butler. On the death of the founder in 1999, the collection was donated to the college by Mrs Nettleton, one of the Directors. It is believed that some designs and fabrics were also sent to the Victoria and Albert Museum. |