Best of British: Buy your personalised copy

November 26th 2015

My third book this year, published by Prestel and in bookstores worldwide, is now available. It is called Best of British: The Stories Behind Britain’s Iconic Brands. The book covers 14 British manufacturers that are over 100 years’ ol...

Best of British: Buy your personalised copy

Match in comments:
Their top end is still a good level - which is what we feature in the book. But generally the focus of this book is on history and stories of England's oldest manufacturers, so quality was less of a concern (eg Barbour.....

November 26th 2015

The Row’s new clothing – 1. Hardy Amies

October 27th 2014

Over the next few months there is going to be a plethora of ready-to-wear shops opening that are in some way inspired by tailoring. Hardy Amies has just opened; then there’s E Tautz; Kilgour will have a full collection soon; Thom Sweeney ...

The Row’s new clothing – 1. Hardy Amies

Match in comments:
No I think it might be worth it Jay, yes. I'm looking into the new service now....

Casual clothingOctober 27th 2014

Brooks saddles: Two different sides of construction

August 29th 2011

Last week saw a visit to the Brooks saddle factory in Smethwick, just outside Birmingham. A full report will appear in the end-of-year issue of The Rake, but in the meantime I thought I would take the opportunity to try posting a couple of videos fil...

Brooks saddles: Two different sides of construction

Last week saw a visit to the Brooks saddle factory in Smethwick, just outside Birmingham. A full report will appear in the end-of-year issue of The Rake, but in the meantime I thought I would take the opportunity to try ...

Factory visitsAugust 29th 2011

Brooks benchmade saddles

February 16th 2011

Brooks leather saddles are next in our cycling series. Unsurprisingly, the construction has much in common with benchmade shoes. Old, iron machines, worked by hand and crucial details finished by hand at every point. The leather saddle is pressed by ...

Brooks benchmade saddles

Match in comments:
I have Brooks B.17 with copper rivets on my Randonneur bicycle. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is more comfortable after 200km of cycling. It also has achieved a nice patina after many years of service. Use mudguards and a...

Factory visitsFebruary 16th 2011