During the 18th and 19th century, stocking-knitting was an important feature of the rural economy in many parts of Wales. Many families were dependent upon stocking-knitting in order to earn a living during times of hardship. The town of Bala was regarded as the centre of the stocking-knitting industry at this time and men, women and children were said to be highly-skilled in this craft. By the late 19th century, however, the importance of this domestic industry had dwindled as machine-made stockings became increasingly popular. This photograph was taken during the 1880s and shows Edward Lloyd, Ty Brics, who was said to be the last stocking-knitter in the town of Bala.