Rexine facts for kids

Rexine was a special type of artificial leather fabric. It was made in the United Kingdom by a company called Rexine Ltd, located near Manchester, England. This material was created to look and feel like real leather but was much cheaper to produce.

Rexine was made by coating a cloth fabric with a mix of chemicals. These included cellulose nitrate (a special chemical also used in some propellants), camphor oil, color, and alcohol. This mixture was then pressed to give it a texture that looked like leather. Rexine was no longer made after 2005, but other companies still make similar artificial leather fabrics today.

Rexine was very popular for covering things like books and furniture. It was also widely used inside cars made by British companies starting in the 1920s. It was even used in railway carriages. Because it cost about a quarter of what real leather did, it was a very practical choice. The British Motor Corporation used Rexine a lot in the 1960s and 1970s, especially for padding on car dashboards and doors. It was also used for the paw and foot pads of British teddy bears from the late 1930s to the early 1960s.

What Was Rexine?

Rexine was a well-known brand of artificial leather. It was a strong and durable fabric designed to be a more affordable option than real leather. This material was invented and produced in the United Kingdom.

How Was Rexine Made?

To create Rexine, a cloth base was covered with a special mixture. This mix included cellulose nitrate, which is a type of chemical compound. Other ingredients like camphor oil, pigments (for color), and alcohol were added. After applying this coating, the fabric was pressed to give it a texture that looked like genuine leather.

When Was Rexine Used?

Rexine became very popular in the early 20th century. It was used for many different products because it was cheaper than real leather. The production of Rexine as a brand stopped in 2005. However, similar types of artificial leather are still made by various manufacturers today.

Where Was Rexine Used?

Rexine was a versatile material, meaning it could be used for many different things. Its lower cost made it a popular choice for items that needed a leather-like finish without the high price.

In Cars and Trains

One of the main uses for Rexine was in vehicles. From the 1920s onwards, British car manufacturers used it to cover the inside of cars. This included seats, door panels, and dashboards. It was also used inside railway carriages. Rexine helped make vehicle interiors look nice without being too expensive.

For Books and Toys

Beyond vehicles, Rexine was also used in other everyday items. It was a common material for covering books, especially for their hard covers. Additionally, if you have an old British teddy bear from the mid-20th century, its paws and feet might be made from Rexine.

Interesting Facts About Rexine

Rexine has appeared in historical records and was part of important discussions about safety.

A Writer's View

The famous author George Orwell mentioned Rexine in his diary on April 29, 1942. He wrote about visiting the British House of Lords and noticed the red Rexine cushions on the benches. He thought they used to be made of a different, softer fabric. This shows how common Rexine was in everyday life.

Safety Considerations

While Rexine was useful, it also had a property that needed careful attention: it could burn quickly. In a railway incident near Huntingdon on July 14, 1951, the Rexine used in a train carriage contributed to the rapid spread of fire. This highlighted the importance of fire safety in materials used for public transport.