American Denim: The Supposed Final Days and Resurgence of a Manufacturing Icon

(Hardback)

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A photo essay that tells an American textile manufacturing story in three parts: the final days of operation at the White Oak Mills in Greensboro, NC; closure; and rebirth making selvedge denim again under the care of the White Oak Legacy Foundation and Proximity Manufacturing Company American Denim aims to preserve a unique property and a unique time in the history of American textiles. At one time the world's largest denim mill, occupying more than a million square feet, you almost couldn't see where the looms ended at the White Oak mill in Greensboro, North Carolina. Between 1915 and 1970, the lion's share of denim produced for Levi Strauss & Co. was made there. Photographer Matt Sharkey was the only person granted access to all three recent stages of the White Oak mill's life: . the last week of commercial production in December 2017, . empty and vacated in February 2018, and . brought back to life in a small but mighty way in September 2022. Here is a layered history told through beautifully honest "portraits" that were captured with film, an analog process to honor analog manufacturing and those who worked, and work, at the mill. AUTHOR: Matt Sharkey is a photographer located in Northern California's Sonoma County. His primary subjects are people and places with a particular interest in holding on to moments in time. Preferring to work slowly and intentionally, he captures images almost exclusively with film. SELLING POINTS: . American Manufacturing: This photo essay serves as a rallying cry for producing quality goods in the United States, a major industrial policy push that is capturing national and international headlines and the attention of large numbers of Americans from all sides of the political spectrum. . Denim Heads: People obsessed with denim will find this title. This is a global audience that skews heavily male. Ages 30-55. They consume both print and digital media. Monocle Magazine, Heddels, and similar outlets are very popular with this crowd. This group is particularly robust in Europe and Japan. . American Textiles: This book is also for people interested in American textiles and Americana in general. Target age of this group is 35-60+ and they too skew male. . Photographers: Specifically photographers interested in film photography. This audience skews slightly more male, and has a larger female presence. Age range is 20-50. They look at select print media but spend a lot of time on websites, blogs, social media, photo forums, and listening to podcasts. 200 colour images

Author Bio

Matt Sharkey is a photographer located in Northern Californias Sonoma County. His primary subjects are people and places with a particular interest in holding on to moments in time. Preferring to work slowly and intentionally, he captures images almost exclusively with film.