The Towneley Collection > Lowerhouse Printworks

The expanding networks of communication systems, including canals and railways, enabled Victorian artists to travel with greater ease to the
rapidly changing landscapes of the industrial North.

Descriptive paintings, like this early view of Burnley, captured the new reality of modern Britain and the impact commercial growth had upon the area.

At the time of painting this factory was owned by the Dugdale family, who went on to develop the mill village of Lowerhouse.

Later, the factory was occupied by the Drew family from the 1860s until its closure 100 years later.

Under Drew ownership, the factory sent printed cotton fabrics to markets throughout the world. This painting was purchased with funds from the Edward Stocks Massey Bequest.