The Story of Jute: How Dundee Became a Global Hub of Innovation and Industry
Dundee’s history is woven, quite literally, into the story of jute. This coarse fibre, used to make sacking, burlap, and twine, was the lifeblood of the city for over a century. From its humble beginnings in the early 19th century to its dramatic decline in the 20th, the jute industry transformed Dundee into a global hub of industrial innovation and social change.
In the 1830s, a groundbreaking discovery would shape Dundee’s destiny. Whale oil, a byproduct of the city's thriving whaling industry, was found to soften raw jute fibres, making them easier to spin. This innovation unlocked the potential for mass production and propelled Dundee into the heart of the global jute trade.
The growth of the jute industry brought with it an era of industrial giants and sprawling mills. Among the most notable was Camperdown Works in Lochee, owned by the Cox Brothers. Built from 1850 onwards, it became the world's largest jute works, employing 5,000 workers by 1900 and even boasting its own railway branch.
Other major firms included Harry Walker & Sons, whose Caldrum Works was Britain’s second-largest jute mill by the 1920s, and J. & A.D. Grimond, who operated Maxwelltown and Bowbridge Works in the Hilltown area. These companies were powerhouses, driving the city’s economy and cementing Dundee’s reputation as the global jute capital.
The industry wasn’t just about scale; it was also about innovation. David Thomson, for instance, filed Dundee’s first jute-related patent in 1852, paving the way for technological advancements that would sustain the industry for decades. His Seafield Works operated until as late as 1986, a testament to the durability of these early innovations.
Meanwhile, Gilroy Sons & Co. was among the first firms to directly import jute from India, streamlining production and ensuring Dundee stayed ahead in the global market.
One of the most striking aspects of Dundee’s jute industry was its workforce. Women dominated the mills, taking on tough, often dangerous jobs. By 1911, more than 31,500 people were employed in the industry, and the majority were women. This economic empowerment was unprecedented for the time, giving many women a degree of independence rarely seen elsewhere in Britain.
However, this reliance on female labour also had its downsides. Men often found themselves out of work as the industry prioritised hiring women, who could be paid less. The economic and social dynamics of Dundee were profoundly shaped by this unique labour market.
For all its successes, Dundee’s jute industry couldn’t escape the forces of globalisation. By the early 20th century, Dundee’s "jute barons" had begun investing in factories in India, where labour was cheaper. By 1914, it was often more economical to import finished products from India than to produce them in Dundee.
The decline was slow but steady. By 1951, only 18.5% of Dundee’s workforce was employed in jute. The advent of synthetic fibres further hastened the industry's downfall, and by the 1970s, commercial jute production in Dundee had all but ceased.
Despite the decline, some manufacturers adapted to changing times. Firms like H. & A. Scott moved into polypropylene production, while others diversified into synthetic fibres or linoleum. However, these efforts could only delay the inevitable. By 1999, the last of Dundee’s jute spinners had closed, bringing an end to an era.
Although the mills are silent, Dundee’s jute legacy lives on. The Verdant Works, an award-winning museum, celebrates the city’s industrial heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the workers and the innovations that defined the industry.
The University of Dundee’s archives also preserve a treasure trove of records, ensuring that future generations can learn about this pivotal chapter in the city’s history.
Dundee’s jute industry left an indelible mark on the city. It shaped its skyline, with grand mills and chimneys that still stand today. It transformed its society, giving women economic opportunities and challenging traditional gender roles. And it placed Dundee on the world stage, earning it the moniker "City of Jute, Jam, and Journalism."
Though the industry is long gone, its legacy endures, a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and hard work of the people of Dundee. Whether through the preserved machinery at Verdant Works or the stories passed down through generations, the jute industry remains a proud part of Dundee’s identity.
