This photo probably dates from early in the 20th century. Patterned furnishing and other silk fabrics were woven on a Jacquard loom where the weaving of the design was controlled by punch cards – rather similar to the cards which controlled the old fairground organs. Here a woman is transferring the design pattern onto the cards, ready for them to go onto the loom. A foot treadle provides the power. This was a highly skilled job.