Spotlight On... William Crabtree

James Priestley is the great, great, great-grandson of the original William Crabtree, who started his eponymous textile mill in 1835. While the surname has changed through the generations, the company's commitment to quality manufacturing and love of classic yet relevant British style is stronger than ever.

James Priestley is the great, great, great-grandson of the original William Crabtree, who started his eponymous textile mill in 1835. While the surname has changed through the generations, the company's commitment to quality manufacturing and love of classic yet relevant British style is stronger than ever.

A venerable name in British textile history, William Crabtree & Sons was established in Yorkshire 189 years ago, in 1835. The company has been best known for the manufacture of fine wool and hair blankets, and duffle cloths. In its heyday, it notably supplied the Hudson Bay Blanket Company and in 1851, exhibited at HRH Prince Albert's 'Works of Industry of all Nations Exhibition'.

Fast forward to 2020, when James took the step to open the first brick-and-mortar shop in London's Marylebone while also expanding on the original made-to-measure offering. Keeping it simple with softly-structured silhouettes and considered craftsmanship with wardrobe staples such as chore jackets, trousers, shirting, knitwear; and curating the best complementary shoe and accessory brands.

Earlier this year, James opened a new store in the heart of the quintessentially British country town of Stow-on-the-Wold. A location steeped in history for the wool industry and an historic and very picturesque Cotswolds town. It offers all the London store has, plus a little more catering to countryside casual and sporting pursuits.

Now with two stores in London and the Cotswolds, James has realised his vision of catering to 'town and country' – easy, stylish, comfortable clothing for whatever the location or occasion.

"I am excited about our new store in Stow-on-the-Wold – our dream of expanding William Crabtree's offering for town and country is now realised through enduring British style, unwavering quality of textiles, and our signature customer service."

James lives with his wife and two children in The Cotswolds and enjoys the combination of country and city life. A love of textiles has been ever present for James, from visiting the family mill in West Yorkshire with his father as a small boy, through to studying Textiles at University and then with the Savile Row Bespoke Association.

Before taking the reins at William Crabtree, he worked with some of the most acclaimed Savile Row and Jermyn Street tailors, as well as for several iconic British clothing manufacturers and brands. For William Crabtree & Sons, James distils his wealth of experience of British textiles and tailoring traditions into accessibly crafted tailoring, knitwear and accessories. He believes in an unfussy, comfortable style that is uncontrived and inclusive. The brand now appeals to ready-to-wear customers as much as it does to made-to-measure clients which is what his vision for modern menswear is all about.

In both the London and Cotswold stores, James sought to create welcoming and comfortable environments that, while contemporary, have William Crabtree's 19th-Century charm. Inside, modern art sits naturally alongside traditional fixtures and fittings. It's this juxtaposition that sets William Crabtree & Sons apart from other brands. Wishing for all to feel welcome in the stores with exceptional customer service and the added convenience of online shopping and express shipping all over the world.

William Crabtree creates men's style with passion from knowledge of past generations, for the next generations.

William Crabtree 9 Sheep Street, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AA www.williamcrabtree.co.uk