John Barran blue plaque

This blue commemorative plaque records: Sir John Barran MP Pioneered the Leeds ready-made clothing industry in the 1850s, introducing the band knife for cutting multiple layers of cloth. In 1887 he added this factory to his others in Park Square. As Mayor he secured the purchase of Roundhay Park for Leeds. 1821-1905 Recorded plaque organisation: Leeds Civic Trust.

Sir John Barran was a prominent industrialist and politician who pioneered the Leeds ready-made clothing industry in the 1850s by introducing innovative machinery like the band knife, significantly impacting textile manufacturing; he also served as Mayor of Leeds and secured Roundhay Park for public use.