RARE artefacts from the golden age of the Craven silk industry are due to go under the hammer on Saturday.
Bell Busk was once the location of a major cotton and then silk factory but there are very few images of the mill in existence.
It was destroyed by fire, and the footprint of the mill has since been built over but at the height of its powers the mill owners produced a publicity display case containing examples of fine quality work made from silks sourced from across the world.
At the top of the display case there is an image of the mill in all its glory showing just how large and vibrant an enterprise it was.
Some of the fine locally made silks were used by skilled local artists to produce amazingly vibrant patchwork quilts.
One of the best examples of these has also been uncovered. Sarah Eliza Pye who made the rare silk velvet quilt in 1897 comes from the same family that founded the estate agent’s James Pye and Son.
The works are up for auction at Tennants in Leyburn on Saturday, February 9, with viewing due to take place on Thursday, between 10am and 4pm, and tomorrow (Friday)between 9am and 6pm.
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