Exhibition OPENS: January 1 - march 22, 2024

Artist Statement:

January 1, 2024

Observing the immediate successes of Proximity Mill, located just four blocks closer to the city of Greensboro, the Cones engaged in a joint venture with the Sternbergers to construct what would become the world's largest flannel mill.  Ground was broken in 1898, and the mill, aptly named Revolution for the impact it would have on the Southern textile industry as the first of its kind, first began operating in September of 1900. By 1904, additional buildings were completed and the mill doubled in size, and doubled again to roughly its present size in 1915.  By 1930, Revolution Cotton Mill became the world's largest flannel mill, producing canton and plaid flannels as well as corduroys.  The mill actively produced flannel fabrics from raw bales of cotton from 1900 until it ceased operations in February 1982.  Today, Revolution Mill remains the most complete and in-tact of all turn-of-the-century mills constructed by the Cone brothers in Greensboro.

The exhibited articles are original examples of fine cotton flannel cloth woven at mills owned by Cone Mills Corporation, including Revolution Mill, dating from the 1930's to the 1970's.

Evan M. Morrison
Director, Proximity Manufacturing Company