Unique new blanket launched in Larne

Larne was the first town in Northern Ireland to sell a revolutionary new blanket in April 1961.

The cellular bedding was put on show at RJ Alexander’s Main Street shop.

The cotton and courtelle yarns were manufactured at Courtauld’s in Carrick.

Cotton blankets were produced in rose, twilight, mistletoe, gold and natural colours with courtelle options in coral, wedgewood, lime, champagne and white.

Prices ranged from 16s 6d to 52s and 6d according to size.

Mr. RA Wilson, a representative of the manufacturer, explained that the blankets had been made based on the same principle as a string vest.

Mr. Wilson added: “You can bever become too hot or too cold between these blankets.”

He explained that the cellular construction combined “wonderful warmth with freedom of movement”.

He claimed that a hospital doctor in England had said: “It’s the type of blanket which the hospitals have been waiting for.”

He indicated that in London, the blankets were selling at a rate of 300 per week.

Mr. Wilson said that he had chosen Larne for the launch as it was a very popular town with country districts.

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