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About John Smedley
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The John Smedley story begun in 1784 when Peter Nightingale and the first John Smedley set up the brand in a mill in Lea Mills, Derbyshire, England. This location remains the home of the John Smedley brand today. In 1825, after 7 years of being an apprentice, the second John Smedley takes over the company with a vision that all spinning, knitting and manufacturing takes place under one roof using the finest raw materials. This John Smedley transforms the company between the years 1825-1877, laying the foundations for the future by expanding the mill, bringing in new machinery and nurturing the growing workforce’s skills and loyalty. It was at this time John Smedley’s renowned reputation for the highest quality was established. An ethos that thrives within the John Smedley brand today. In 1877, John Smedley installs one of the first ever ‘Cotton’s Patent’ fully fashioned knitting machines being one of the earliest knitwear companies to do so. In 1893 John Smedley became a limited company. Developing a production line capable of manufacturing fine-gauge, fully fashioned underwear and outerwear. In the 1930s, underwear specialists, John Smedley brought out their first knitted outerwear range for ladies and men, including nightwear and swimwear. The 1960s was a turning point for John Smedley, with underwear sales continuing to be a success cementing John Smedley’s reputation. It is the John Smedley outerwear that becomes the main focus and is exported all over the world. During the 1980s John Smedley collaborates with some of the world’s best designers and knits collections for Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Comme des Garcon, Nicole Fahri, Margret Howell and Katharine Hamnett. In 1993, fine knitwear machinery from Japan is used for the first time, meaning that styles with more pattern and texture can be created. In 1995, extra fine New Zealand Merino Wool is introduced from traceable sources, bred by specially selected Merino wool farmers in New Zealand. In the year 2000, John Smedley starts the new millennium by opening the flagship John Smedley shop in London. John Smedley introduces the pioneering whole-garment technology in 2006, meaning that unique, lightweight and seamless knitwear can be created. Also in 2006, John Smedley collaborate with luxury lingerie brand Agent Provocateur creating a collection. 2007 saw John Smedley introduce a mini whole-garment machine which meant that a full range of knitted John Smedley accessories were launched. Shima technology was introduced the year after, capable of knitting 26-28 colours. In 2009 John Smedley celebrates 225 years of creating beautiful, luxury knitwear. To commemorate this anniversary a special edition of underwear is launched. The John Smedley store in London went through a re-design and a little bit of Derbyshire was introduced to the capital. Exclusive John Smedley micron garments are launched using rare yarn that can only be produced by 0.0013% of the world’s sheep population. A new range of extra-fine jersey wear was launched using the same extra fine New Zealand Merino Wool which is used throughout the John Smedley collections. Committed to creating only the highest quality collections, John Smedley continues to take their long-standing values and apply them to a contemporary fashion industry. Striving to make all garments at their mill in Derbyshire, John Smedley only move forward by understanding and holding on to the importance of provenance. |
