Staines Industry

One of the pieces of decoration littering the upgraded parts of Staines is this pair carrying what most would think is carpet. Well, a metal representation, obviously it isn't really carpet! But they would be wrong. It is Lino, or Linoleum to give it it's full name.

The first first factory producing linoleum was set up in Staines in the mid-19th century. By the early 20th century, Staines was the linoleum capital of the uk. Back then it was one of the most popular floor coverings. Durable, easy to clean, "modern", and cheaper than carpet. Or it was back then.

Lino was still populr up until the 1950's and then it started to die off. Cheap carpeting, cushion flooring, cork tiles, suddenly lino was something your grandmas house had, along with anti-mocassers and lavender sachets.

The Two Rivers shopping area covers what was the factory so this statue is the last reminder that Staines was once more than just somewhere on a sign on the M25 .