Machine Room in a Steam Sewing Factory This view is of Holloway Crowe Holloways clothing factory Stroud Gloucestershire England Twenty sewing machines were installed powered by steam through belt and shafting under the workbench The female operatives controlled the machines by means of individual foot levers Holloways one of the principal employers in Stroud introduced division of labour in their factory and one pair of trousers passed through pairs of hands each operative carrying out a specific task From The Illustrated London News London December