THREE readers correctly identified last week's as dyeing cones used in the textile industry.

Jack Gould, who has spent all his working life in the textile industry, says: "The cones with holes in them were used for dying the yarn after the yarn had been soft wound on to the cones. The solid plastic cones were used for the yarn to be wound on to."

And Harry Binns, of Bradley, says: "Originally these cones were made of wood, but since plastic came into being they are much more versatile. They are still an important and necessary factor in the winding of yarns after being spun and prepared for the next process before weaving."

There were also correct guesses from Martin Robinson from Arncliffe and Phyllis Capstick, of Hellifield.

Experts from Craven Museum and Gallery tell us: "These 12 plastic cones were used for yarn pressure dyeing in Bradley's Cross Lane textile mill by the cloth manufacturers Peter Green & Sons.

"The mill manufactured cloth from the 19th century into the 20th century, until it was sold for commercial development in 2003. Objects like the Smith Bros & Eastwood tandem compound engine which had been installed at the mill in 1901 were rescued and preserved because of their historical interest.

"Dyeing is the process of adding colour to textile products like fibres, yarn and fabrics and is normally done in a special solution of dyes and chemicals at specific temperatures.

"Historically, the primary source for dyes has been from natural animal or plant products. Since the mid-18th century, however, humans have sought produced artificial dyes to achieve a broader range of colours and longer lasting results."

We are now inviting guesses about this week's Craven Curiosity. They can be emailed to news@cravenherald.co.uk

Meanwhile, all items in this column are on display in Craven Museum and Gallery, which is located in Skipton Town Hall