This stocking fame is typical of those in use in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1769 Arkwright moved from Lancashire and set up his first cotton spinning factory in Nottingham, where there was already a concentration of hosiery workshops, which created a demand for his spun cotton.

This machine was kindly donated by the Taylor family and came from the Allen, Solly & Co. hosiery factory, previously in Arnold, Nottingham.