John Sangster

JOHN SANGSTER, Fringe, Tassel, and Trimming Manufacturer, 27, Ann Street, Glasgow.

    The branch of manufacturing industry represented in the operations of the business of Mr. John Sangster is one that has received most creditable development in Glasgow, and as one embracing many ingenious as well as artistic phases, its advancement may be accepted as an evidence of the special skill and activity which have actuated those engaged in the pursuance of this important and indispensable branch of furnishing trade.

    It is now over 15 years since this business was established originally at 64, Howard Street, and its transference in 1885 to the more convenient commercial thoroughfare of Ann Street was suggested by the immense increases in volume which its trade had by that year assumed. The entire interests of the business were acquired by Mr. Sangster from Mr. John Cuthbert, the founder, and under the active and intelligent proprietary of the present esteemed principal, its operations have been valuably forwarded.

    Mr. Sangster manufactures many different varieties of fringes, tassels, and trimmings, so much used and sold by upholsterers’ warehousemen. Dress trimmings are also manufactured, and this branch is gradually extending, and the business transacted in this class of goods is one of great and always-expanding magnitude, extending not only all over the City and suburbs, but throughout the entire country. The business transacted in Glasgow alone is very extensive. The work of designing and preparing as well as selecting the various materials is, in most cases, entrusted to the judgment of Mr. Sangster, whose thorough knowledge of the whole details of the business was acquired in the employment of Messrs. Wylie and Lochhead, the first firm in Glasgow devoted to the upholstery trade.

    The method and care with which the entire resources of the trade have been brought under command is evidenced in the arrangement and equipment of the factory at Ann Street, where one flat of a commodious structure is entirely occupied. The main room of the factory extends to over 4,000 square feet, and in this ample space the whole processes of spinning and weaving are ably sustained and accelerated by a series of 15 looms, 15 machines for cord and trimming making, and various other ingenious contrivances for the dexterous manipulation of the completed articles. Two adjoining rooms are occupied for the operations of sorting, and in front of the factory are the warehouse, office, and private rooms.

    A staff of 50 hands are employed, and under the active personal guidance of the principal, their operations control a very considerable output of furnishings, attractive alike in texture and design. The many advances that have been effected in weaving and spinning machinery have enabled Mr. Sangster to place upon the market a class of exquisite upholsteries equal to the best continental productions and as moderate in price. His establishment must thus form a very convenient depot for all departments of the upholstery trade.

    The quality and sound character of his productions are well endorsed by their constant demand and requisition for those departments of industry in which they are principally applied ; and among merchants, warehousemen, and exporters, this standard of superiority has become so universally recognised that Mr. Sangster is entrusted with commissions for the preparation of fringes, tassels, and trimmings to be consigned to all parts of the world. The liberal terms by which his transactions are characterised are — apart from the excellence of his productions — sufficient to justify the commercial noteworthiness and popularity of the house ; and to the further advancement and improvement of the whole features of the trade, Mr. Sangster’s energies and enterprise are at all times assiduously directed.

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