231027 Collection Digital Cover 1 - Flipbook - Page 97
FLYING COLOURS FLAGMAKERS
“Each year, the team makes thousands of flags, some
of which have made appearances in TV series and films,
and weathered extreme climates in the most remote
places, including Everest and the Mariana Trench
in the Pacific Ocean – the Royal Warrant holder has
even worked with space agencies. ”
In September of 1993, Andrew Ormrod took his Pyrenean mountain
dog for a walk in Knaresborough when he came across a garage.
On top of its roof, there was a car dealership flag, ripped to bits. He
was unemployed, had young children and an interest in geography,
and wondered, could he and his (then) wife make flags that would
outlast this one?
Soon their work began, including hours of research (without the
internet) into the qualities and techniques that make flags endure
extreme heat, cold, and wind. The answer was woven polyester used
by the Ministry of Defence, then buying samples – and improving
on them – from competitors. One big surprise? Four out of the six flag
makers in the country were in the same area, but this didn’t stop the
couple, who, by January 1994, opened Flying Colours Flagmakers,
working long hours from a converted bedroom.
and weathered extreme climates in the most remote places,
including Everest and the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean –
the Royal Warrant holder has even worked with space agencies.
Flags are either handsewn or printed using a Japanese Mimaki
printer, the latter of which requires putting fabric through a heat
fixer that reaches around 200 degrees Celsius, so the colours come
out exceptionally vibrant. For both, the most complex process is
bleeding through the designs to the reverse side of the fabric. Making
one flag can take up to 50 hours, the time dedicated to the Royal
Standard, the flag that represents the Sovereign. On the subject
of royalty, the business received its Royal Warrant in 2000. Another
big moment? A request from Sir Elton John, who was preparing
to perform at the Great Yorkshire Showground in 2012, for a Jolly
Roger pirate flag, which was delivered in less than two hours!
Now, Andrew and his current wife, Jules, employ a team of seventeen,
including three of their children. Each year, they make thousands
of flags, some of which have made appearances in TV series and films,
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