John Arthur (Jack) Smirfitt 19.12.35 – 17.05.2008

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our Honorary Curator and Trustee Jack Smirfitt.

Jack was associated with the textile industry all of his professional life. He graduated with a degree in Textile Industries from Leeds University 1958. He went on to complete a

M.Sc, researching the geometry of knitted fabric particularly the Structure of1X1 Rib Fabric and he was the author of several seminal papers on this subject.

In 1961Jack was appointed as the librarian at Hatra (Hosiery and Allied Trades Research Association) in Nottingham, and remained in this position until Hatra’s demise in the early 1990’s, although Jack continued as Secretary of Trustees of the remaining Hatra Fund.

Jack was a well known international figure in all aspects of knitted fabric manufacture and associated areas, as historian, consultant, author, speaker, and writer. He was actively associated with the Lee 400 Educational Trust and the Textile Institute Publications Committee.   From 1995 to 2005 he was also the editor of the Textile Institute's magazine, "Textiles."   This included textile articles for retailers, school children and teachers.  In 2004 Jack included the TI News and the magazine became the house journal for members and recipients in over 70 countries.

He also had many other interests especially aviation and in particular Russian military aircraft   

He was perhaps best known as Honorary Curator of the Ruddington Framework Knitters' Museum a position which he commenced on his retirement from Hatra. Jack did not limit himself to curatorial activities but was also actively involved in all aspects of the Museums work, including its day to day management. Jack also took a key role in the planning and implementation of the Chapel Project. He contributed, as well as initiated many other important projects which have enhanced the Museums work and operation, including mentoring students.

As Curator Jack firmly established the Museum’s collection, and perhaps more importantly he was responsible for the Museums library which is arguably the most comprehensive on all aspects of knitting, in the world. As a testament to this the Museum’s library will now be known as the Smirfitt Library

Jack was a man who had many friends which resulted from his kindness, humour, honesty and professionalism; this has been borne out by the many messages from those who knew him, on hearing of his death. Subhash Anand (Chairman of the Council of the Textile Institute) summed this up; by writing “I always found him extremely helpful and a thorough gentleman” this reflects the thoughts of all who knew Jack Smirfitt as a colleague and friend. 

Jack is survived by his son Richard and daughter Jane.