John Kendrew (1748-1800), a Darlington Quaker, is best known for having invented the first effective process for the mechanical spinning of flax. With Thomas Porthouse, a local clockmaker, he built a working machine and together in 1787 they patented the design in both England and Scotland.
John Kendrew (1748-1800), a Darlington Quaker, is most celebrated for inventing the first effective way to mechanically process flax. Alongside Thomas Porthouse, a local clockmaker, he built a working machine and together in 1787 they secured a patent for their design in both England and Scotland.