MS 484 Congratulations To Robert Duke
An address of congratulations to Robert Duke Esq. from the employees of the Denburn Works, Brechin on the occasion of his jubilee as a linen manufacturer.
The company of R & D. Duke, linen weavers was founded in Brechin by two brothers Robert and David in 1852. By 1864 they had laid the foundation stone for the Denburn Linen Works, arguably Brechin’s finest industrial building. They began with 200 power looms and increased it to 600 looms employing 800 hands.
In 1902 Robert Duke celebrated his 50th anniversary as a manufacturer. His employee prepared a beautiful souvenir of the company’s work. The book was prepared as evidence of the cordial relations and goodwill between staff and owner. Each employee signed their name under a banner proclaiming their years of service. Five employees had worked for R & F. Duke for nearly 50 years.
The beautiful bound volume contained the signatures of the employees plus photographs of the works. The beautifully painted watercolour illustrations of looms and the works itself in art nouveau frames make this a real gem.
© Angus Council 1998 - 2011