Woolsorters

Woolsorters were skilled laborers employed in the wool textile industry. Their primary role was to sort raw wool according to its quality, staple length, and fiber type. This sorting process was crucial for determining the suitability of the wool for different types of fabrics and products. Different grades of wool had distinct properties affecting their softness, strength, and ability to be spun into yarn.

The work of a woolsorter required a keen eye and a sensitive touch. They would examine fleece by fleece, feeling the texture and length of the fibers. Factors such as the animal's breed, diet, and environment influenced the wool's characteristics, and experienced sorters could identify these nuances. The sorting process typically involved dividing the wool into several categories, ranging from the finest qualities for high-end garments to coarser grades for blankets or industrial uses.

Historically, woolsorting was a physically demanding job. Workers often dealt with dusty and greasy wool, and the repetitive nature of the task could lead to musculoskeletal issues. In the United Kingdom, the trade was once highly organized, with guilds and associations representing woolsorters. The advent of mechanization in the wool industry gradually reduced the demand for manual woolsorters, though specialized sorting roles may still exist in niche areas of wool production and processing.