John Foster: Celebrating the Benefits of Wool
Wool month, a global initiative by Campaign for Wool that spans the month of October, dedicated to raising awareness about the incredible benefits of wool. The focus this month is ‘Choose Wool’. At John Foster we are supporting this initiative by highlighting why we use wool when making our luxury cloth.
The Benefits of Wool
Wool is one of the most versatile and beneficial natural fibres available, offering a wide range of advantages that make it a great choice for clothing. Here are some of the key benefits that make wool stand out:
- Natural and Sustainable
Wool is a renewable resource, with sheep naturally producing a new fleece each year. It’s also biodegradable, meaning it won’t contribute to landfill waste. Wool production has a relatively low environmental impact, especially when sourced from farms that practice sustainable farming.
- Insulation and Comfort: One of wool’s most well-known benefits is its excellent insulation properties. Wool fibres trap air, providing natural insulation that keeps the wearer warm in cold weather and cool in warmer conditions. This makes wool garments perfect for year-round wear.
- Breathability and Moisture Management: Wool is highly breathable and can absorb moisture. This moisture-wicking ability helps regulate body temperature, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable even during strenuous activities.
- Durability and Longevity: Wool is a strong and resilient fibre, known for its durability. It has natural elasticity, allowing garments to stretch without losing shape. Wool clothing can last for years, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Hypoallergenic and Odour Resistance: Wool is naturally hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin. It also has antimicrobial properties that resist the growth of bacteria, which helps prevent odours, even after multiple wears.
Wool Bunches We Recommend:
Oxbridge Flannel
Oxbridge Flannel by John Foster is a premium fabric that offers endless creative possibilities for designers. A contemporary reimagining of a timeless classic, this collection features a double mill finish for added depth and texture, elevating the fabric’s luxurious feel. Available in a range of rich autumnal shades, it’s crafted from 100% Super 120’s wool. As we celebrate Wool Month, it’s the perfect time to explore the versatility and sustainability of wool in your creative projects.
Stonedale Flannel
Stonedale Flannel by John Foster is a luxurious fabric that combines sophistication with versatility. Made from 100% Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified yarn, this innovative collection is our first to feature fully certified wool. It boasts an exceptionally soft touch and a beautiful drape, available in 22 distinct designs. The smooth finish and refined texture offer both comfort and durability, making it perfect for creating elegant, timeless pieces. This collection exemplifies the sustainable and natural qualities of wool.
The rich history of wool reflects a legacy of identity, resilience, and craftsmanship. Wool has been integral to creating garments that offer warmth and comfort while connecting the wearer to centuries of tradition. This enduring quality makes wool a compelling choice not just this month but throughout the year.
At John Foster, based in Bradford—the heart of England’s textile industry—we blend historical craftsmanship with modern techniques to produce cloth that is truly timeless. Contact our sales team to learn more about our exceptional fabric offerings.
Email [email protected]
Originally starting her journey 16 years ago at the historic Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury, Samantha Hellewell, our Head of Design, has seen it all. From the move to Stanley Mills and the integration with The SIL Group to witnessing the brand’s evolution through challenging market shifts.
Sam has played a pivotal role in shaping our collections. Her work includes some of our best-selling cloths, and stunning seasonal collections. Her design work has transformed John Foster therefore, we sat down with Sam to gain deeper insights into her experiences at John Foster and her approach to design.
You have been here since 2008, what significant changes have you seen during your years at the company?
Since joining the company, I’ve seen remarkable transformations. I began at Black Dyke Mills in Queensbury, and when we became part of The SIL Group, we relocated to a new mill and integrated with new staff and sister companies within Luxury Fabrics. I’ve watched the brand evolve with the times and adapt to changing markets, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What challenges have you faced whilst working at the company and how have you overcome these?
One of the primary challenges was harmonising the distinct identities of our brands while maximising their collective potential. Initially, William Halstead was a direct competitor to John Foster, so when we partnered as part of The SIL Group, it presented a challenge. However, by focusing on each business’s complementary strengths, we turned this challenge into an opportunity and expanded our mohair portfolio to complement one another.
What is your favourite bunch and why?
Oxbridge Flannel is my favourite bunch because it represents a ground-breaking achievement for our company. John Foster had never produced a flannel bunch before, so developing it from scratch using woollen fibres was exciting. I think every cloth within the bunch is beautiful and visually pleasing. As a stock-supported bunch, it offers an interesting and vibrant colour palette. But it’s not just aesthetically pleasing; it also has a stunning drape and handle.
What has been your favourite thing about designing for John foster?
My favourite part of designing for John Foster is developing new collections based on colour themes and design inspiration. No matter how many times I see it, spotting our fabric on the catwalk or in movies and TV shows is always exciting. I find it so satisfying to point out to my friends and family where my designs are featured. I’m proud to design for this company.
Where does your inspiration for new design and ideas come from?
My inspiration for new designs comes from a variety of sources. I closely follow trend books and analyse customer preferences to understand evolving tastes.
However, sometimes, looking forward means looking back. John Foster has an extensive archive of vintage fabrics that provides a rich source of inspiration, allowing me to reinterpret classic designs for modern audiences.
What are you looking forward to in the coming years?
I’m excited to see what challenges lie ahead and how the industry will evolve. After a more relaxed trend due to the pandemic, we’re beginning to see the return of stripes and formal wear, which is an intriguing development. It’s always exciting to see what the next trend will be because it never stays the same.
What can we look forward to seeing from John foster in the coming years?
I believe John Foster will continue to evolve with the market while staying true to our brand. We will keep developing our products based on market demands and customer requests. In January, we’ll be releasing our Spring/Summer collection, featuring a number of beautiful designs but more will be revealed on that later.
Get in touch with our sales team to find out more about our offerings or request a sample of Oxbridge Flannel. Email us at [email protected]
Yorkshire, one of England’s largest counties, is renowned for its rich textile history. In celebration of Yorkshire Day, we delve into the storied past of John Foster, a pivotal figure in the British wool textile industry, whose contributions significantly shaped the textile landscape of Bradford and the wider Yorkshire region.
The story of John Foster is linked with Yorkshire’s identity, highlighting the region’s pivotal role in shaping the history of textiles. John Foster’s contributions to the textile industry and wider community have left an unforgettable mark, celebrating 200 years of excellence in 2019. Yorkshire’s rich textile heritage owes much to pioneers like John Foster, whose legacy continues to inspire and influence the industry today.
Early Beginnings: Yorkshire’s Textile Roots and John Foster
The namesake of the company, John Foster was born in 1798, a time when the textile factory system had yet to take shape. At the age of 21, he ventured into the worsted business in Bradford, harnessing the centuries-old cloth production skills of the local population. By 1819, these skills had become invaluable assets, not only to Foster but to the entire British textile industry.
Building an Empire: Hand Looms and Market Expansion
Foster capitalised on the demand for worsted cloth in the Yorkshire towns of Bradford and Halifax, setting countless hand looms to work in the cottages around Queensbury, Bradford. This initiative made the company, the largest employer of hand-loom labour in the district and established a reputation for high-quality fabrics, particularly ‘Lastings’ and ‘Damasks’, known for their durability and strength.
In the years that followed, John Foster would become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of worsted cloth.
Growth and Innovation: The Establishment of Black Dyke Mills
In 1827, with his business flourishing, Foster built his family home, Prospect House, in Queensbury. The subsequent years saw significant expansion within the region. In 1832, he acquired a large factory in Great Horton, and by 1835, he had established the iconic Black Dyke Mills on a family farmstead in Queensbury. This mill became the cornerstone of the vast enterprise and was a significant landmark in Yorkshire’s industrial landscape.
Industrial Revolution: Transition to Power Looms
The industrial revolution marked a transformative period for Foster and the Yorkshire textile industry. In 1836, he invested in power looms, transitioning from hand looms and overcoming numerous challenges to achieve remarkable success. Foster’s commitment to innovation continued with the development of new fabrics such as Alpaca and Mohair, starting in 1837, further enhancing Yorkshire’s reputation for textile excellence.
Family Legacy
The business saw a smooth transition in 1842 when John Foster’s son, William, became a full partner. The Foster family connection was maintained until around 1995, ensuring the company’s adherence to its founder’s values. Neil Foster was the last remaining family member in connection to the company, who now resides in a Foster family building called ‘Lexham Hall’ in Norfolk.
The Great Exhibition and Global Recognition of Yorkshire Textiles
By 1851, Black Dyke Mills dominated the Queensbury skyline, and Foster’s fabrics won first prize for Alpaca and Mohair at the Great Exhibition, earning a gold medal for yarns. Foster’s excellence was further recognised with the formation of the Black Dyke Mill Band in 1855, which became one of the world’s most celebrated brass bands, originating from the heart of Yorkshire. They still play today and in 2014 were crowned National Champion in the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.
Expansion and Innovation: The Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, John Foster & Son saw extraordinary growth. The company expanded its portfolio to include a wide variety of yarns and fabrics, and during World War I, it played a crucial role in producing materials for military uniforms, reinforcing Yorkshire’s strategic importance.
Royal Visits
The company’s significance has been highlighted by multiple royal visits. Including those from HRH The Prince of Wales in 1923 and again in 1981. Princess Anne visited in 2017.
Managing Director, David Gallimore, personally met the late Queen Elizabeth in 2006 and The Prince of Wales in 2012.
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- Prince Charles visit to Bradford.23.11.10Picture by Roger Moody
The Foster Legacy Continues
John Foster & Son became a private limited company in 1891 and continued to grow, eventually listing on the stock exchange in 1981. The company’s ownership transferred to The SIL Group in 2009. Meaning John Foster was able to continue achieving significant milestones including awards, royal visits, and continuous innovation in textile manufacturing.
Today, John Foster produces stunning seasonal collections, most recently, AW25. The company continues to travel across the world. Attending trade shows.
The John Foster team are proud to launch our AW25 collection. This season we have developed a range of beautiful, sustainable cloths incorporating elegant and classic designs.
After a period of casual dressing and stay at home comfort, the market is looking for something new and is returning to the elegance of tailoring. A trend we have been hoping to reinstate for some time. The John Foster team know that there is simply nothing that comes close to the feeling of ‘dressing up’ in quality garments. John Foster cloth has the transformative power to make the wearer look and feel their best. Our autumn winter collection offers a wide variety for those to express individuality, through their appearance.
Investment Cloth
Luxury cloth is an investment. That when made correctly, can lasts over time. As trends come and go, our aim was to promote timeless style. When designing autumn winter 25, we wanted to create instantly classic cloth that will remain a staple for years to come.
Whilst our stock support portfolio showcases an extensive range of beautiful, wool and wool/mohair fabrics. Ranging from extra fine merino wool to the finest micron super 200’s. The open collection is where we can be more playful, creating contemporary designs for the consumers who are trying to retain a commercial security, whist stimulating the need for something new.
Oxbridge Flannel
Standout products in our autumn winter range, include an extension of our popular, Oxbridge Flannel range. The open collection incorporates design and colours woven with a nostalgic reflection of our long and established heritage. Using the beauty of a Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified woollen yarn, we have produced a collection with an extensive colour palette, featuring plains coordinated with classic chalk stripes, and contemporary checks. Reflecting our newfound passion for melange shades.
Stonedale Flannel
Responding to the demand for sustainability and investing in the longevity of our clothes. We have also added new designs to our first bunch made entirely from RWS certified yarn, Stonedale Flannel. This 100% woollen flannel is heavier than Oxbridge Flannel and has a vintage handle and styling. The substantial weight of this cloth creates a feeling of being enveloped in warmth and protection when worn.
The blend and variety of melange fibres in the RWS woollen yarn, creates a delightfully rich appearance. That enhances the cloth surface, with depth and interest. The colour palettes are inspired by the cool tones of the industrial landscape complemented with the warmth of the natural tones in the wonderful Yorkshire dales that surround us. The classic shades of smoke grey, charcoal and soot, with slate and navy, contrast with the subtle and muted shades of everglade and forest green with rich earth and peat browns.
A common theme of our autumn winter collection is stripes. The classic pattern is making a comeback and again, reinforces the tailoring trend. With both subtle pin stripes, and bold chalk stripes. Our autumn winter collection features timeless looks.
The concept of luxury is something people will always aspire to and now with our collection, incorporate the values of ethical sourcing and sustainability.
To view our latest seasonal collection, please email [email protected]
This year’s World Environment Day theme, “Generation Restoration,” underscores a crucial truth: we can’t rewind time and undo the environmental damage already done. However, by regrowing forests, revitalising water sources, and restoring soils, we can heal the Earth.
Sustainable practices are paramount in our industry. We understand the challenges posed by overgrazing and land degradation. Committed to being part of the solution, we utilise yarn certified by the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS). These industry-led initiatives recognise best practices in farm management, ensuring wool originates from farms with progressive land management and responsible animal treatment.
What is RWS?
The RWS and RMS set criteria for progressive practices that benefit both animals and the land. These key principles directly align with World Environment Day’s goals:
- Animal Welfare: The Five Freedoms of animal welfare are incorporated into the Responsible Mohair Standard’s criteria.
- Land Health: Certified farms undergo checks to ensure progressive land management methods that protect soil health, biodiversity, and native species. This can involve practices like rotational grazing, which allows pastures to recover, and planting native vegetation to create natural habitats.
- Social Welfare: The standards encompass social welfare, working conditions, and the health and safety of farm workers. This ensures fair treatment and promotes a sustainable agricultural workforce.
How John Foster is embracing ‘Generation Restoration’.
Our dedication to these principles is exemplified by the launch of the Stonedale Flannel collection. Crafted entirely from 100% RWS-certified wool. This collection, featuring 22 cloths inspired by the diverse Yorkshire landscape, demonstrates that traditional manufacturing can coexist with sustainability and traceability whilst maintaining beautiful and luxurious cloth with our signature quality.
We take pride in ethical and responsible practices throughout our business. We source our raw materials responsibly, minimise chemical use in our dyeing processes where possible, and constantly investigate ways to reduce our environmental impact. Embracing the spirit of “Generation Restoration,” we are committed to minimising our environmental footprint. This includes responsible water and energy use, waste reduction, and implementing eco-friendly manufacturing processes. In adherence to ISO 14001 for Waste Management, Energy Management, and REACH regulations.
We acknowledge the ongoing journey towards environmental sustainability. The small steps we take today, from using certified materials to minimising our operational footprint, will pave the way for a brighter future.
Follow our social media platforms for updates on our environmental initiatives.
Our Signature Bunch is a range of luxurious wool fabrics that has become a favourite among our valued customers. When released, Signature marked the culmination of months of meticulous design and development. We have taken great care to ensure this collection complements many of our offerings. While simultaneously providing something unique for every taste. The Signature bunch possesses a diverse selection of plain fabrics in classic weaves like plain twill, hopsack, sharkskin, and herringbone, catering to a variety of style preferences.
What sets Signature apart?
The exceptional quality of the material used is what truly sets the Signature bunch apart. Each fabric is woven from 100% Super 160s wool, renowned for its softness, light drape, and luxurious feel. This high-quality wool ensures that the fabric not only looks exceptional, but also provides superior comfort throughout the year.
Designed to be a versatile all-season collection, the Signature bunch has a weight of 250gms making it ideal for transitional weather, offering year-round wearability.
Beyond its versatility, the Signature Bunch impresses with its durability. Constructed with a fine 2-ply yarn, a technique that enhances the cloth’s stability and ensures it retains its shape beautifully over time. This attention to detail ensures that garments crafted from this cloth, will not only feel luxurious but will also stand the test of time.
John Foster understands that true sophistication lies in the subtle details. The Signature bunch reflects this philosophy with its carefully curated colour palette. The collection features a selection of timeless menswear hues. Including Soft Ash, Smoke, Charcoal Grey, Rich Cobalt Blue, Air Force, Navy, and Midnight. These classic colours provide a foundation for creating beautiful end products. The inclusion of Latte and Coffee Brown adds a touch of warmth and informality to the collection, catering to a more relaxed aesthetic.
The Signature bunch also offers a selection of captivating accent colours. Soft Slate Blue, Lavender, Deep Gold, and Burnt Rust, add a pop of colour to create exciting possibilities for bolder combinations.
John Foster’s Signature Touch
For over 150 years, John Foster has been a trusted source for high-quality fabrics, collaborating with world-renowned tailors and designers. This experience is woven into the Signature bunch. Offering a collection that not only feels luxurious, but provides a foundation for crafting timeless designs. Crafted with care, each cloth is woven from the finest natural fibres. Seamlessly integrating our company’s rich history, heritage, and tradition into every thread. All our supported collections are maintained in meaningful quantities and available for immediate despatch through our sales teams.
To view the Signature collection, please email [email protected]
Dates for your Diary
We will soon be launching our Autumn Winter 2025/26 collection, exhibiting at the upcoming trade shows PRECO (10th June) Premiere Vision (02-04 July – Stand 6C8) and Milano Unica (09-11 July – Stand: 4F05, 4F06).
If you would like to make an appointment with our sales team, please contact us here.
John Foster, a pioneer of the modern wool textile industry and founder of the world-renowned firm in Bradford, England which bears his name. Born in 1798 and at the age of 21, John Foster started his worsted business at a time when the factory system which was to revolutionise the textile industry, had not yet been established. By 1819, many inhabitants in the Bradford area had passed on skills in cloth production from generation to generation. It was these inherent local skills that became an asset of incalculable value to both John Foster and the British Textile industry. Taking advantage of a ready market for worsted cloth in Bradford and Halifax and with the start of an economic recovery, Mr John Foster set many handlooms to work in hundreds of cottages in and around Queensbury, Bradford. In time, John Foster became the largest employer of hand-loom labour in the district and acquired a considerable reputation for certain special fabrics. Fabrics known as ‘Lastings’ and ‘Damasks’ were a John Foster speciality. ‘Lastings’ as their name implies were textiles of very strong description, hardy, stout and sturdy, like the people who were engaged in producing them! In the years to come, John Foster became one of the world’s largest makers of worsted cloth.
Under Mr Foster’s far-seeing enterprise and capable guidance, the business continued to expand and in 1832 he took over a large factory in Great Horton. Three years later in 1835, Mr Foster erected a mill in Black Dyke, Queensbury, on the site of a family farmstead. This mill became known as ‘Black Dyke Mills’, and was the foundation upon which John Foster’s immense business was built.
John Fosters road to success encountered the industrial revolution, a time of significant change. In 1836 a difficult period began in Black Dyke Mills as continued investment in new machines brought the transition from hand-loom to power-loom. Gas works were erected to supply the mill and village, and enlarged several times since to meet the increased power requirements.
The invention of new fabrics continued simultaneously with the investment in new machinery. Pioneering Alpaca and Mohair cloth developments had begun as early as 1837.
It’s difficult to confirm if John Foster employed anyone to create fabric designs specific to John Foster’s prior to 1840. It was in 1840 that regular records appear in the ledger for ‘designer’ and ‘pattern drawing’.
The direction of affairs passes from Father to son, William Foster becoming a full partner in the business and maintaining traditions of the firm through the next generation. William Foster was the eldest son of John Foster and was admitted into the firm as a partner in 1842. Other sons of the founder were also admitted into partnership in later years. The family connection was maintained until circa 1995. Black Dyke Mills had become a significant landmark and force in the global textile industry. William Foster is pictured with family members and mill workers overseeing building development and extension works.
By 1851 Black Dyke Mills was dominating the Queensbury landscape. John Foster awarded 1st prize for Alpaca and Mohair fabrics and the gold medal for yarns at the Great Exhibition of 1851. The medal shows Queen Victoria alongside her husband Prince Albert.
John Foster, a French Horn player, established the Black Dyke Mill Band in 1855 along with other musicians from a band formerly known as Queenshead Band. Many members of the band were originally workers at Black Dyke Mills and the band was outfitted in uniforms made from the mill’s own cloth. Today the band is one of the oldest and best-known brass bands in the world, winning many prizes and competitions over the years. The band has made over 350 recordings, including recordings for TV & Film, recorded with the Beatles and pop acts Tori Amos, Peter Gabriel and The Beautiful South, as well as working with Sir Paul McCartney to release a number of singles.
In 1856, the Foster family were granted the ‘Foster’ coat of arms, bringing a high level of significance in social standing to the Foster family name.
‘Justum perficito nihil timeto’ means ‘Do Right and Fear Nothing’
Hornby Castle estate was bought in 1860 by the Foster family and renovated in the 1970s as a family property. John Foster retired to Hornby Castle and died in 1879. The next generations of Fosters live here.
A full board of directors of Foster family members is in place. Both founder John Foster (1798-1879) and eldest son William Foster (1821-1884) are now deceased. In 1891 the firm is placed under the constitution of the 5 Foster family board members, as a Private Limited Liability company.
Directors erected Victoria Hall in Queensbury, a building for recreational use by their workpeople which included amongst others a concert hall, recreation rooms, billiards room, a dining room, a kitchen and a library. Other buildings included a Swimming Pool, slipper baths, washing & drying rooms.
Over the next 30 years…
New Powerhouse to produce the immense amount of energy demanded by the mill.Development of subsidiary services including mechanics, joiners, plumbers, basket makers, cobblers, a fully equipped fire brigade, etc., makes the whole concern ‘self-contained’ and practically independent of outside aid. Thus enabling the mill community to proceed with clock-like manufacturing regularity and efficiency.
Total floor area of the mills exceed 15 acres and houses 500 power looms.
Every process of fabric production is integrated into the mill, from raw material sorting through to weaving, dying and finishing.
A hostel with 231 beds plus other facilities is built to provide accommodation for female skilled mill workers from distant locations.
By 1923, Black Dyke Mills has grown extensively and has its own water supply in the form of reservoirs.
Fibres being used include Cotton, Alpaca, Mohair, Wool & Silk.
John Fosters Portfolio is now extensive, with an almost endless variety of yarns and fabrics to include Mohair Brilliantines, alpaca linings, mohair velvets, silk seals, Sicilians, Grenadas, Botany dress goods, etc.
Demand is increasing for hosiery goods and soft-handling fabrics.
The 1st world war breaks out and the whole of the textile machinery was soon engaged in providing materials for uniforms and knitted goods for the Allied Armies. Textile production was not the only area of the John Foster business influenced by war activities. The well-equipped engineering and wood-working departments were used by the Ministry of Munitions and took a very creditable share in the production of munitions that helped bring the war to a victorious end. Directors of John Foster guarantee to keep open the places of all male workers enlisted to join the army, participating in the National scheme for disabled ex-servicemen. The firm employed 167 ex-servicemen, of whom 38 were partially disabled. During world war one, military exception badges were issued to some workers of Black Dyke Mills who had ‘reserved occupations’ such as mill workers or farmers and were exempt from military service.
Black Dyke Mills welcome a visit from HRH The Prince of Wales on 30th May, as he visits a number of Yorkshire towns. The purpose of his visits was to gain first-hand knowledge of conditions in the textile, steel and other industries for which the county is famous. John Foster are now a significant employer in the Bradford area, employing 1,400 workers across the mill and offices. John Fosters Bradford Office is pictured above.
John Foster are very much still in their peak and have an impressive portfolio, welcoming distinguished international visitors to the mill. The Chinese ex-president being one who paid a visit to the famous Black Dyke Mills in 1924. At this time Colonel Edward Hornby Foster (Grandson of John Foster) is Managing Director of the firm.
John Foster built a loyal workforce at Black Dyke Mills and in 1937 proudly showed off to the local newspaper 21 employee’s who had all worked for the company for over 50 years. They have worked a total of 1,100 years, their ages total over 1,420 years. Between them in the last half-century, they have drawn more than 55,000 weekly wage packets. They nearly all started working as half-timers at the age of ten and regarded ‘Foster’s’ as a 2nd home. They have never been ‘pennied’ – an old custom of knocking off a penny for unpunctuality.
During the years of the 2nd world war, Colonel E.H.Foster, aged 70 died in 1940, he was Managing Director of John Foster at the time and grandson of the founder. In 1943 Ronald Foster (chairman of John Foster), is seen here getting involved in ‘Wings for Victory’ week which was held across the country to raise money for Spitfires and Bombers.
Mill work continues full steam ahead post-war.
Cloth developments continue thick and fast at the mill and today’s world-renown 3-ply mohair fabric is created. This desirable cloth quickly becomes one of the most successful and iconic cloths on an international level.
John Foster cloths are highly acclaimed around the world and continue to win awards for their sought after Mohair cloths, Worsted suitings and Mesh Jacketing throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Numerous famous cloth companies were purchased by John Foster during the down-sizing of the British textile industry. Today iconic textile names are encompassed in the John Foster portfolio. Production facilities at Black Dyke Mills are still in full swing.
The John Foster team welcome a visit from HRH The Prince of Wales to Black Dyke Mills, during the peak period of British Textiles.
Also in 1981 John Foster becomes a plc and is listed on the stock exchange.
£1million invested in new equipment for Black Dyke Mills, to increase production and efficiency and improve quality even further. Record Sales and Profits are recorded with exports accounting for 60% of sales. After the UK, Japan and the Far East is the biggest most significant export market for John Foster products.
During the 1970s-1980s, rapid expansion into other non-core textile sectors such as automotive and other non-apparel sectors pushed John Foster to its limits. Despite being at the height of activity in the mill, John Foster went into administration and decisions were made to downsize and eventually move premises. Black Dyke Mill and other mill assets were sold off. In order to maintain the world-renowned John Foster name and continuity of textiles woven in Yorkshire, the business continued with the investment of new partners dedicated to manufacturing wool products for apparel and maintaining the skills of the industry.
The family connection was maintained until circa 1995. Neil Foster was the last remaining family member who now resides in a Foster family building called ‘Lexham Hall’ in Norfolk.
In 2006 John Foster was awarded The Queen’s Award For Enterprise: International Trade.
This award recognised the significant increase in exports of luxury worsted and mohair suitings around the world.
On 18th June 2006 the business relationship between Takisada Nagoya Co. Ltd (Japan) and John Halliday & Sons Ltd celebrated its 35 year anniversary. John Halliday & Sons Ltd was one of the companies purchased by John Foster in the 1970’s as the British textile industry experienced a down-sizing.
In 2009 John Foster business ownership transfers to SIL Holdings Ltd, is given a new lease of life and moves to new premises in Bradford, Stanley Mills. SIL Holdings is a British group of vertically integrated textile companies encompassing all elements of textile production from luxury fibre – to – exquisite fabric.
John Foster cloth features on a Royal Mail special edition 1st class stamp
Royal Mail featured British designer Paul Smith on its 1st class stamp. The cloth is John Foster iconic 60% adult mohair and 40% wool in a vibrant blue.
John Foster wins No.1 Fabric award from Saks 5th Avenue.
Saks 5th avenue identifies British Mill John Foster as a Top Men’s Fabric producer of fine fabrics for suitings. John Foster’s 90% Super 150’s wool & 10% cashmere worsted spun cloth in a navy stripe is their fabric of choice.
David Gallimore, the Managing Director of John Foster meets with HRH The Prince of Wales, patron of The Campaign for Wool.
David Gallimore meets with HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of The Campaign for Wool, at the campaigns re-launch event held at Clarence House.
HRH Princess Ann visits the mill to celebrate the company’s £1.2m investment in five new Dornier weaving machines. The investment allowing John Foster to keep apace with growth in demand, maintain their reputation of top-class cloth and continue into the future with a strong focus on innovation and quality.
John Foster celebrate their 200th year, an anniversary to be extremely proud of.
To mark the occasion, special edition cloth has been woven, 200th anniversary branding is featured and limited edition gifts produced.
The mill at Stanley Mills looks significantly different, with many production investments, efficiency and quality improvements made along the way.
John Foster weaves seasonal collections in their British Mill, launching twice a year and sold around the world to highly acclaimed Fashion Houses, Haute Couture Designers, tailors and Designer brands. Often featured on international catwalks such as Alexander McQueen and Wright Le Chaplain.
Alexander McQueen celebrates the Yorkshire textile industry by using John Foster’s Oxbridge Flannel in their collection.
In March 2019 Alexander McQueen presented their Autumn/ Winter 2019 collection at Paris Fashion Week; opening the show with a garment made from our cloth ‘Oxbridge Flannel’.
Masterminded by Creative Director Sarah Burton this collection paid homage to the Yorkshire textile industry and drew inspiration from her childhood growing up in Macclesfield, Yorkshire.
“I went home for this collection, back to where I grew up in the North of England, surrounded by mill towns and wild countryside. I took my team to those mills, to a landscape that I remember from my childhood. The heart of the collection is inspired by the bolts of cloth we saw woven both by man and machine,” she said backstage at the show.
Burton and her team visited a number of Yorkshire textile brands including John Foster at Stanley Mills, Bradford while researching for the collection.
David Gallimore, Sales Manager at John Foster said: “It was a real honour and a privilege to have the McQueen team visit the mill and study our archives.
“It was amazing that Sarah Burton also visited the us,” he added.
The McQueen team delved into the history of the mills to drive the direction of the collection.
“We have a very strong history and some extensive archives that allowed the McQueen team to delve back into our 200 year past,” Gallimore said.
Burton was clearly inspired by her time at Stanley Mills, and other textile mills across Yorkshire, and the collection and show reflected that. The venue was styled industrially and guests sat on huge bolts of fabric.
John Foster’s wool cloth, woven in the very mill Burton and her team visited, played an important part in the collection. The show opened with a model wearing a structured pantsuit with an asymmetric train made from John Foster’s signature ‘Oxbridge Flannel’ cloth. In a further nod to the origin of the cloth, and an interesting design touch, the selvedge was left visible.
Gallimore said: “We are really excited that Alexander McQueen have chosen to use John Foster cloth. Their selection is from our new collection Oxbridge Flannel, which is being showcased using the woven selvedge as part of the garment.
“The cloth was selected due to its vintage character, as well as the weight and handle achieved by the art of a double mill finish,” added Gallimore.
Burton’s collection was a celebration of Yorkshire and the cloth made here at the heart of the textile industry.
“To have Alexander McQueen working closely with a Yorkshire mill has allowed us to showcase how good we are on the international stage,” says Gallimore, “We are extremely proud to be part of this partnership.”