Caird (Dundee) Ltd, Jute Manufacturers
Reference:
GB 0254 MS 60
Title:
Caird (Dundee) Ltd, Jute Manufacturers
Dates of creation:
1834-1997
Held at:
Dundee University Archives
Extent:
0.37 linear metres.
The records are on paper and include photographs and outsize plans.
Name of Creator:
Caird (Dundee) Ltd
Level of Description: fonds
Creation Information:
This document was generated by Javascript from an HTML form which structured the input according to the elements of ISAD(G) Version 2.
Revisions:
-
Modified at:
Thu Jan 17 16:50:09 GMT+0000 (GMT Standard Time) 2002
Note
Fonds level description compiled by Sarah Chubb, Archives Hub Project Archivist, November 2001.
Language of Material: eng
Administrative/Biographical History
Edward Caird, founder of the Caird business was born in Montrose in 1806 and began the manufacture of cloth in a 12-loom shed at Ashton Works, Dundee, in 1832. He was one of the first to weave cloth composed of jute warp and weft and, as the use of the new textile became popular, his business expanded. In 1870, his son, James Key Caird, took over the running of Ashton Works and he was to direct the fortunes of the firm of Cairds for the next forty years.
Under James Caird's management the Ashton Works was re-built and equipped with the most modern plant. In 1905, he took over the Craigie Works, which had until then supplied much of his yarn and was now to supplement his production of cloth. Two years later Caird acquired property adjoining the Ashton Works to permit further expansion, and in 1908 perhaps the most modern jute spinning-mill of the time was started. Ashton and Craigie Works were among the largest and best-equipped jute works in Dundee, employing 2,000 hands.
By the press and middle-classes, Caird was considered a good employer who "aimed at making his establishment not only efficient from a working point of view, but also a model of comfort for the workers" (Dundee Advertiser, March 1916). He was also a noted benefactor and between 1895 and 1914 gave £240,940 in donations to institutions and organisations within and outside Dundee. James Key Caird was awarded a baronetcy in 1913.
Scope and Content
Private letter books 1910-1920; engineer's notebook c. 1917; balance sheets 1915-1934; miscellaneous papers 1916-1997; photographs c.1930-1950; maps and plans of India and Dundee 1834-1997.
System of Arrangement
Records are arranged within series.
Administrative Information
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The records were deposited by Caird (Dundee) Ltd in 1978 (AccM/64).
Accruals
None expected.
Access Conditions
Open for consultation subject to preservation requirements. Access must also conform to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act and any other appropriate legislation.
Copyright/Reproduction
Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements. Charges are made for this service, and copyright and other restrictions may apply.
Existence of Copies
No known copies.
Existence/Location of Originals
The material is original.
Further Information
Finding Aids
Descriptive list. Subject source lists and databases are also available.
Related Units of Description
MS 108 Edward Caird's Trust
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