The derelict Tone Dye Works or Tone Mills as is otherwise known. Close to the town of Wellington, Somerset. Image taken July 2013


Tone Dye Works or Tone Mills as is otherwise known was perhaps the largest Indigo Dye House in England as described in 1912. Established by Fox Brothers and Co who also owned the nearby Tonedale Mills, who built the site during the early to mid 1800s and using the waterpower harnessed from the River Tone close to the town of Wellington, Somerset. The works were run on a belt driven and pulley system, which was geared up to the main interior water wheel. A system that would give any modern Health and Safety officer nightmares for many years to come even though the water powered site would have been classed as environmentally sound, counting out the chemicals and dyes used at the time. Tone Works operated as a cloth, dyeing and finishing works. The site grew between 1830 and 1920 but closed in the 1990s. Within a time capsule the building still houses the main features that were used to create dyeing and finishing of worsted and woolen cloths. Much of the machinery used is still in good condition but sadly slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature. Preserving these artifacts for future generations to admire should be recommended. This set/batch of images was taken in July 2013


Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Wellington, Somerset, UK
Photo credit: © Simon Webster / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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