Oxford and Oxfordshire news, sport and information updated throughout the day

Vintage find on display

From the archive, first published Wednesday 4th Jun 2003.

A shop owner who was clearing out new premises in Witney found vintage sewing machines dating back to the 19th century.

John Saunders plans to make his discovery a centrepiece of his shop in the town's High Street.

Mr Saunders, of the Witney Sewing Machine Centre, said: "The machines have been just lying upstairs for years. But they're worthy of being put on show."

Among the find is a British-made Wilcox and Gibbs, dating from 1869, a German-made Frister and Rossman, dating from the 1920s, and a number of Singer machines.

Mr Saunders added: "These days people may use a machine for altering clothes, but they're mainly used for hobbies like quilting and embroidery."

Archive Home