October 2003 - The History of the Wilton Carpet Factory

The October meeting of the Andover Women in Business Club began with the discovery of a curious coincidence linking Kate King, the Club’s President, to the evening’s speaker, Gordon Saunders.

Gordon, who has spent 27 years of his life working with the Wilton Carpet Factory, was at the meeting to talk to members about the history of the Factory. During informal discussion before the meeting, Kate chanced to mention that many years ago she had a job making carpet samples. Dismissing the likelihood of any connection because her employers, ‘Alf Bennetts’, was in Aldershot, Kate was astonished to discover that the Gordon had regularly worked with the company during his time at Wilton.

After exchanging memories of the past, Kate called the meeting to start and the 40 members and guests sat down to eat at the Golden Dragon, Andover. Hosting its first meeting at this new venue, members enjoyed a wonderful 3-course Chinese meal in delightful surroundings.

As the Club’s new President, Kate has taken the opportunity to choose the Andover Family Learning Project as Andover Women in Business’ fundraising beneficiary for the coming year. The Club has supported the Project for some time as it appreciates the need to raise the skills levels of local people, to provide the skills so badly needed in the local workplace.

Jean Lannie, Co-ordinator for the Project and a long-standing member of the Club, was at the meeting and was delighted with the news: any money raised will go towards the furnishing of a small training room at the Longmeadow Centre, where the project is based.

Following the meal, Gordon entertained his audience with fascinating stories about the development of the factory and amused everyone with his anecdotes about his life there.

Gordon Saunders talking to a guest

Having left school at 14 and begun his working life as a builder, Gordon secured a job at the Factory at the age of 16, after his National Service. His first role was that of Production and Stock Control clerk, but his skills and service with the Factory saw his career build over the following years. During his time with the Factory, Gordon witnessed many changes in the production processes of the making of carpets as the factory moved with the times to create the patterns and designs demanded.

The Wilton Carpet Factory was started in1655 and is probably the oldest carpet factory in the world. In 1699 King William III granted the Factory a Royal Charter and its reputation for quality carpets is renowned. Gordon talks with pride about his history with the Factory and his reminiscences were much appreciated by his audience.