'Unique relic' textile tenter frames to be restored

The frames at Otterburn Mill were used in the textile industry

A set of frames used in the textile industry and believed to be the last standing in England has secured funding to be restored.

The field tenter frames at Otterburn Mill in Northumberland were mainly used to stretch, dye and align patterns in woollen cloths in the open air.

They are believed to date from the late 19th to the early 20th Century and the phrase "on tenterhooks" is believed to originate from these type of frames.

Tenter expert Dr Graham Cooper said the frames were a "unique relic" of a trade which had a "profound impact on the historical propensity of this country".

Dr Cooper said the frames were the last remaining "largely intact" field tenters standing in their historical setting in England.

The restoration will be paid for using a £85,158 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Otterburn Mill owner Euan Pringle said he was "overjoyed" the restoration work had been made possible.

He said: "The tenter frames at Otterburn Mill are extremely important in remembering the industrial heritage of the country and it’s essential that they are preserved."

The frames at Otterburn Mill now need restoring

National Lottery Heritage Fund official Helen Featherstone said: “It is no secret that the North played a significant role as a powerhouse for the textile industry, which is why we are delighted to support this fantastic project."

The mill has been approached about when the restoration will begin.