CELEBRATION OF THE BEST OF BRITISH

It is a popular misconception among the British public that we no longer make anything of quality, that foreign is best, whether at a cheap or expensive level, and that the days of British goods being appreciated abroad are long gone.

That this is patently untrue is born out by our export figures of all kinds of merchandise and at a luxury level especially. And one organisation in particular is responsible for flying the flag and continuing to promote the finest of British made merchandise and service around the world – the Walpole.

At a special showcase for its members, staged in the Liberty store in London this summer, a panoply of high quality clothes, accessories, jewellery, fragrancies, home goods, foods, drink, guns and objet d’art were presented, alongside information on exclusive hotels, mobile phones, florists, galleries, palaces, estates and fish mongers. They clearly illustrated that British quality in design and make and service are alive and well and doing very nicely, thank you, in the world market place.

SAVILE ROW ON SHOW

Representing Savile Row were Henry Poole, Gieves & Hawkes and Ede & Ravenscroft. Poole captured attention with a tailor working on site. www.henrypoole.com Gieves & Hawkes are launching a new bespoke jewellery collection in the Autumn, where an initial design consultation will take place with a client, the final product ready in four to six weeks. Using the finest metals and precious stones, these designs will cost from around £165 for silver cuff links and from £1,295 for a gold signet ring. www.gievesandhawkes.com Ede & Ravenscroft were showing a velvet smoking jacket – and have no plans to rename it despite moves against smoking! One of their white dinner jacket is picture above, button-one with slim shawl collar. www.edeandravenscroft.co.uk

GUNS OF STYLE

New to the bespoke tailoring world is Holland & Holland. This famous old company, founded in 1835 as a gun-making business, is still one of the most prestigious names in that field.  It was in the 1990s that it developed its own range of stylish country clothes for men and women and a full complement of country accoutrements to go with them. Now, it has started its own bespoke tailoring service (see Style p2). www.hollandandholland.com

Another great name in the country field is Purdey, even older than Holland & Holland. James Purdey established his gun and rifle making business in 1814 and Purdey guns have long been treasured heirlooms, passed down from one generation to the next. At their London headquarters, 70 to 80 guns a year are made by some 30 craftsmen, beautifully embellished, as pictured above . A new bespoke gun costs from £62,862, excluding special engraving and taxes, and they have recently introduced a starter entry gun at £28,750. A pair of antique guns made for King Edward Vlll  recently fetched £120,000 at auction in Geneva. Purdey also has its own extensive range of classic country clothing and accessories. www.purdey.com

LUXURY FROM SCOTLAND

Johnstons of Elgin is the Scottish company that supplies luxury knitwear to many top international brand names, such as Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton. 

Established in 1797, it successfully straddles both the classic and fashion sectors, making an extensive range of fine cloths and tweeds, as well as knitwear and clothing for men and women.

The chunky jacket pictured here is in 15 ply aran wool, with distinctive cable pattern and leather buttons, from the autumn collection, retail price £499. www.johnstonscashmere.com

YOUNGER MEMBERS

Not all Walpole members are aged. De Roemer started making luxury fashion cashmere knits in 2004, initially for women now also for men, and has built up an international following. www.deroemer.com.

Myla launched its exclusive lingerie collection in 1999 and has also become very successful on the basis of its quality and sexiness - as shown on the left in this corselette and knckers set, Estelle.For a tempting selection of gift lines go to www.myla.com

And William & Son came into being in 1999 to provide an emporium in Mayfair offering a variety of mainly British luxuries with a service to match. www.williamandson.com It is sponsoring a clay pigeon shoot, The City AM Challenge League at the Royal Berkshire Shooting School, which runs until the end of September For details go to www.cityam.com/shootingleague

Links of London presented a range of men's accessories that included some 'friendship' bracelets for men - rather more suited to casual wear than to a Savile Row suit, we think. But the cufflinks, below, in the shape of tusks, will look good on a business or casual shirt. They are in 18ct rose gold, with chain links, and retail at £950. www.linksoflondon.com

Hamilton & Inches is one jewellery and precious gifts retailer that still has its own extensive workshops. Based in Edinburgh, it holds a Royal Warrant to the Queen, and is particularly noted for its range of silver gift lines, including candelabras, tableware and intricate birds, all made by its own craftsmen. A selection is shown left. (See also Gifts page for a diamond feature). www.hamiltonand inches.com

And another fine silverware maker as well as top jewellery design house, Theo Fennell, has added fragrance to its growing collection. The jewellery designs are particularly innovative and eye-catching. As with many of these companies, they will accept bespoke commissions. www.theofennell.com

See Drinks and  Gift pages for more luxury products from Walpole members.

Walpole itself was founded in 1992, named after Sir Robert Walpole, who is recognised as Britain’s first Prime Minister – and the longest serving at 20 years – in the mid 18th century. Its aim was to promote and encourage quality British manufacturers and services.

From just a small band of big names, the Walpole has now grown to encompass 115 British companies, with a further body of influential Friends that includes the likes of the National Trust, Royal Shakespeare Company and the British Film Institute. It stages promotional events in Europe, the US and Asia, holds the Walpole Awards for British Excellence each year and does much good work to encourage and nurture the best of British.