Jack Kearsey

Jack's father was the Foreman of the stockhouse at Early's and worked for the firm all his life. Jack followed his father into Witney Mill, joining Early's spinning department in 1944 at the age of 16. He soon moved on to become an apprentice loom tuner and by the time he had finished his apprenticeship he was looking after 47 looms of several kinds, maintaining the machines and checking that the weave and weight of the blankets was correct. One of those looms was operated by his future wife, she was taught her trade by Elsie and Muriel King.

Jack enjoyed his job, found it quite varied and thought the working atmosphere was nice but eventually moved out of the blanket industry in search of higher wages.

He remembers that Early's were unique in producing extra large blankets (120 inch size) in the very best quality Merino wool for export to Hollywood and the American market.

A recorded interview with Jack is available from Oxfordshire Studies - details are available on the Search the Collections page (search for his name).