These are the detailed pages designed to accompany items on show at Fly Fest Scotland 2018.
Milward of Redditch, Unnamed Split Cane
While London was perhaps the earliest centre for fishing tackle manufacture in the UK, as time passed a number of regional centres emerged. Hardy’s presence in Alnwick created a skill base there, while the metal work shops of Birmingham turned their skills to reel making. Redditch became associated with fishing through its history of needle making. Walton himself included instructions for the conversion of needles to fish-hooks in the “Compleat Angler” and as Redditch makers turned to the production of needles and hooks, many expanded into the manufacture of other fishing goods. Millwards was one of the bigger companies, acquiring the firm of William Bartleet in 1902 to become Millward-Bartleet. This rod is typical of UK rods from the first quarter of the C20. Note the use of Hardy components in the manufacture.