Textilfabrik Cromford

Nestled in the picturesque town of Ratingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Textilfabrik Cromford stands as a beacon of industrial heritage and innovation. Established in 1783 by the visionary Johann Gottfried Brügelmann, this historic textile factory was one of the first of its kind on the European mainland, marking the dawn of a new era in mechanized cotton spinning. Today, it serves as a branch of the LVR Industrial Museum, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past and the profound impact of the Industrial Revolution.

The Birth of Textilfabrik Cromford

The story of Textilfabrik Cromford begins with Johann Gottfried Brügelmann, a member of a wealthy merchant family from Elberfeld. Inspired by Richard Arkwright's revolutionary water frame in Cromford, England, Brügelmann saw the immense potential in mechanizing the labor-intensive process of cotton spinning. Despite the British government's stringent measures to protect Arkwright's invention, including the death penalty for industrial espionage, Brügelmann managed to obtain a model of the water frame in 1783. How he acquired it remains a mystery, with tales ranging from undercover work in Arkwright's factory to the help of a loyal friend in England.

Establishing the Factory

Brügelmann faced significant challenges in finding a suitable location for his factory. The Garnnahrung, a cartel-like association of merchant families in his hometown, and societal constraints made it difficult. Eventually, he discovered a defunct oil mill with milling rights on the Anger River, just outside the city walls of Ratingen. In 1784, the Elector granted him a twelve-year privilege to operate mechanical spinning mills, providing a much-needed incentive for his investment. The impoverished Ratingen offered an abundant supply of labor, less prone to unrest like the weavers' uprisings in Elberfeld and Barmen.

Brügelmann constructed two manufacturing halls along the Anger River and enlisted the help of English workers to build functional water frames. By the end of 1784, Textilfabrik Cromford was operational, with all machines powered by water wheels. The factory's name pays homage to its English counterpart in Cromford, and the surrounding area in Ratingen is still known as Cromford today.

Expansion and Success

Textilfabrik Cromford quickly thrived, leading to the construction of an impressive five-story factory building and a luxurious mansion in 1787 for 20,000 Reichstaler. The mansion was surrounded by a garden designed by the renowned Maximilian Friedrich Weyhe, blending baroque and English styles. Within a decade, the factory employed 400 workers, an astonishing number for the time. By the time of Brügelmann's death in 1802, the workforce had grown to 600, marking the peak of the factory's success.

Despite facing challenges such as the French occupation of the left bank of the Rhine in 1801, which disrupted key markets, Brügelmann had already established a factory in Rheydt with Johann Lenssen in 1799. After Brügelmann's death, his sons continued the business, and his grandson Moritz introduced steam power and expanded the operation with a mechanical weaving mill in 1846. By 1849, the factory employed 134 spinners and 216 weavers. However, by the late 19th century, the factory struggled to compete with newer, larger spinning mills, leading to its eventual closure in 1977.

Textilfabrik Cromford Today

Though the more modern factory halls were replaced by a residential area in the 1980s, the original mansion and the Hohe Fabrik (High Factory) remain. In 1983, these historic buildings were meticulously excavated and documented, paving the way for their transformation into a museum. Today, Textilfabrik Cromford is part of the LVR Industrial Museum, where visitors can witness the fully functional, original machines used in cotton spinning. The factory's central drive wheel powers these machines, providing an authentic experience of the industrial process.

Exploring the Museum

The museum offers a comprehensive exhibition and guided tours that delve into the factory's history, the cotton spinning process, and the working conditions of the time, including the prevalent use of child labor. The mansion, once the Brügelmann family's residence, now hosts civil weddings from spring to early autumn, adding a touch of romance to this historic site.

Permanent and Special Exhibitions

The museum's permanent exhibition includes a detailed catalog that explores life and work in the factory, the technology of cotton spinning, and the history of the Brügelmann family. The mansion itself is a testament to the bourgeois lifestyle of one of the leading industrial families of the era.

Textilfabrik Cromford also hosts special exhibitions, such as The Power of Fashion – Between Empire, World War, and Republic, which ran from October 2015 to October 2016. This exhibition focused on cultural and fashion history, consumer and economic history, functional clothing, and the myths and role models of the time, accompanied by a comprehensive catalog.

In conclusion, Textilfabrik Cromford is not just a museum; it's a journey through time, offering a unique insight into the early days of industrialization and the transformative power of innovation. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a technology buff, or simply looking for an enriching experience, a visit to Textilfabrik Cromford in Ratingen is an unforgettable adventure into the past.