The establishment of Painted Fabrics Limited owed much to Annie Bindon Carter (1883-1969) who, in 1915, volunteered to help at the Wharncliffe War Hospital at Middlewood, Sheffield. She organised painting classes as a form of occupational therapy for soldiers who had suffered physical and psychological injuries (including amputations) during the First World War.At the end of the war Mrs Carter obtained premises at West Bar, Sheffield which were converted and equipped as workshops for a few men, with financial help from local people. After a visit from Earl Haig, the authorities realised the possibilities of employment for severely disabled ex-servicemen that the enterprise presented. In 1923, land and hutments at the old WAAC (Women's Auxiliary Army Corps) camp at Norton Woodseats, Sheffield were purchased by the United Services Fund and leased to the newly formed company Painted Fabrics Limited. Some of the huts became workshops, while others were converted to homes for some of the men and their wives and families.Original at Sheffield Archives, ref. PF/4/5/4/1.