The Legacy of John Foster

1st August 2024
Posted in News
1st August 2024 Felicity Ling

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.

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.