The role of the ‘overlooker’ in Salts Mill

Have you ever wanted to know more about the individuals who worked in Salts Mill? Roger Clarke, with assistance from Colin Coates, has produced a superb overview of the role of the ‘overlooker’ in textile mills.

Looking in particular at overlookers in Saltaire, he examines their key place in managing the workers in every department of the mill. Roger explores how these skilled men also contributed to the social life and family support needs of the residents of Saltaire. Many societies involved overlookers in an important role.

Thirty biographies are provided for the Salts Mill overlookers and Roger concludes that their innovative and organisational skills did enhance the development and sustainability of community organisations in Saltaire.