231027 Collection Digital Cover 1 - Flipbook - Page 69
“Harris Tweed is exported to over 50 countries
worldwide, to all four corners of the globe,
and it all comes from the crofts and cottages
of four small islands set on the edge of the
world on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.”
But when exactly did the world’s love affair with Harris Tweed really
start? For as long as time can tell, the islanders of the Outer Hebrides
had been producing Harris Tweed to sell at the local markets and as
a result, were well-known, albeit only locally, for the excellence of their
weaving. All that changed in 1846, however, when the widow of the
landowner of Harris, the Earl of Dunmore, decided to have the clan
tartan replicated in Harris Tweed. She was so impressed by the pure
quality of the finished product that she set about marketing Harris
Tweed to her many wealthy friends. In turn, this led to widespread
interest from parties from increasingly further afield, and by the turn
of the century, Harris Tweed had become established as a highly
sought-after tweed of choice.
However, one of the major downsides of success is imitation, and so
it became clear that certain measures would need to be put in place
in order to protect not just the Harris Tweed name, but also the quality
of the goods and the reputation of the islanders. Following a meeting
in Stornoway in 1906, it was decided that the islanders needed a system
whereby their tweed could be inspected and, if it met up to the exacting
standards expected, would be given a stamp of approval, by means
of a trademark of authenticity. This mark – the Maltese cross with the
words Harris Tweed written underneath – was granted in 1909, and
first started to appear on finished goods in 1911. It is still seen on Harris
Tweed products to this day.
With the rise and the rise of Harris Tweed’s popularity continuing
throughout the 20th century, with royalty and gentry alike attracted
to the beauty, versatility and durability of this unique cloth, supply
needed to increase to meet demand. The parameters of the Harris
Tweed trademark were subsequently changed to allow for the use of
island millspun yarn, as well as handspun. This enabled an increase
in production, while still accommodating the quality control measures
put in place to ensure that Harris Tweed retained its reputation as
the world-famous cloth it had become.
Today, Harris Tweed is exported to over 50 countries worldwide,
to all four corners of the globe, and it all comes from the crofts and
cottages of four small islands set on the edge of the world on the shores
of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a truly remarkable journey through the ages
of history – from dyeing to delivery, from croft to catwalk – all made
by hand before it has even made it into your hands. The history of Harris
Tweed continues, and it is a story that is by far a long way from being
finished – and thank the Hebrides for that!
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