BEHIND THE SEAMS
The Royal WEAVE
Michelle Rowley travels to Sudbury, Suffolk, to explore the home of Gainsborough Weaving, an institution in British textiles for over 100 years
ABOUT MICHELLE ROWLEY
Michelle is a sewing teacher, writer and maker based in the Peak District. Follow her latest dressmaking accomplishments on Instagram stitchywhitney
Sudbury in Suffolk has been the centre of weaving in the UK since the arrival of the Huguenot weavers in the 19th Century. Gainsborough Weaving, based in Sudbury, has been producing some of the world’s finest furnishing fabric since 1903. A specialist in historical reproductions of interior fabrics, the company has woven fabricsfor the productions of Downtown Abbey and Pride and Prejudice amidst an impressive portfolio of high-profile clients such as the British Royal Family and Bentley Motors. Michelle Rowley explores the company’s fascinating history, complex weaving processes and incredible archive of over 7,000 sumptuous fabrics.
“We can weave whatever we like – so long as it’s beautiful,” says Neil Thomas, Managing Director of Gainsborough Weaving. He’s not wrong. Gainsborough’s long history of weaving has produced some of the finest damasks, silks, brocades and brocatelle in the world. Gainsborough is a proud holder of a Royal Warrant to her Majesty the Queen, and has undertaken a number of special projects for the British Royal Family, in addition to many Royal Family members overseas.