Bedmaker Harrison Spinks has teamed up with designer – and BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee judge – Patrick Grant to champion British craftmanship and highlight the company’s innovative manufacturing processes.
Patrick visited the 300-acre Harrison Spinks farm in Yorkshire where it grows its own natural fillings, and the nearby factory, where recyclable spring systems and FR chemical-free mattress fabrics are made in-house.
It marks a return to Leeds for the owner of Savile Row tailor, Norton & Sons, who studied at the University of Leeds. Patrick is also the founder of Community Clothing, which champions affordable, quality clothes made in the UK.
Fifth-generation, family-owned business Harrison Spinks is one of the UK’s largest growers of hemp, and the only bedmaker in the UK to weave its own mattress ticking and upholstery fabrics, which, due to their high wool content, are naturally fire-retardant. It also currently grows flax, which it says is a more sustainable alternative to cotton.
Patrick says: “Harrison Spinks and I share many core values, from working with natural, quality, British materials to championing sustainability and innovation, making it a perfect fit.
“I’m so pleased to be working with this 180-year-old British company, as not only are the beds amazing, but its dedication to doing things the right way for customers, staff, and the planet, is a fantastic example to other businesses.
“Harrison Spinks is an industry leader, and I am particularly impressed with their in-house weaving and artisan bedmaking, keeping traditional manufacturing techniques alive.
“Their approach to sustainable innovation and using homegrown materials and fabrics is inspiring, as is their unique approach to luxury bedmaking.”
MD Nick Booth adds: “Patrick shares our passion for celebrating the very best of great British craftmanship and creating exceptional-quality products made with locally sourced, natural materials, handcrafted here in the UK using traditional techniques.
“He is a true champion of British manufacturing and British textiles – something close to our heart – and will be helping us to spread the word on how we’re cut from a different cloth. Our shared ethos is a key driving force behind this partnership.
“Patrick has spearheaded initiatives to revive flax growing and linen textile production across the UK – and we grow some of the finest natural fibres, including hemp and flax, right here in Yorkshire to create luxurious filling pads that are layered into our mattresses.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Patrick back to the farm and factory so he can see the incredible process for himself, and explore how we can support each other and work together further in the future.”
