2010/70/20

Printing block from a collection showing leatherworking tools and machinery. Possibly shows a tool for the process of brake lining.
This printing block is one from a collection of blocks showing leatherworking tools and machinery from various manufacturers. This type metal block, on a wooden back, possibly shows a tool for the process of brake lining. It is inscribed 'Murphy'. G. L. Murphy Ltd. were based at Imperial Works in Menston, near Leeds, and specialised in producing tools and machines for tanners and leather manufacturers.

1 printing block: metal

MERL miscellaneous note – The identification of the blocks in this collection was carried out by Roy Thomson, formerly of the Leather Conservation Centre, in July 2010., Email, Roy Thomson to Fred van der Geer, 30 July 2010 – ‘I have copies of catalogues of Murphy and B&J Wright from the late 1940s/early 1950s but none of your blocks appear in them so I think your blocks are earlier. Murphy and Wright were in some form of association, during the period of my catalogues. Both companies are described as “Manufacturers of Tanners, Curriers and Belt Makers Machinery” but my catalogues do not have a belt makers’ section. Pictures of the same machinery appear in both, with only the makers’ names being different.’, MERL miscellaneous note, Greta Bertram, 4 September 2012 – G. L. Murphy Ltd. of Imperial Works, Menston, West Yorkshire, began trading in 1930 and closed in the 1970s. The firm manufactured industrial parts, tools, belt-driven machines, transmission and electrical equipment. After World War II they specialised in making machinery for tanners and leather manufacturers.