A Visit to the Barbour Factory, South Shields

One chilly morning in March I made the trip up to Newcastle (big thanks to Hannah for the coffee shop recommendation) for the first time in my life. It's one of the few big Northern cities that I've somehow managed to avoid – eight trips to Scotland last year and I never stopped off...The North East of England is known for its rich industrial and trade background, and Barbour's HQ in South Shields is no exepection to the rule.

J. Barbour & Sons Ltd., est 1894, is one of the most celebrated brand names you will find in the UK, if not the world. Their steadfast outerwear was originally intended for manual labour + outdoor work, but has since been adopted by many cultures; from the upper classes and farmers, to musicians and those with an interest in timeless style. With a keen interest for manufactoring and craft, I couldn't wait to see things up close.

 Press studs being positioned

 A set of wax jackets awaiting their inspection

Having been lucky enough to visit a few factories and distilleries I had a decent idea of what the Barbour factory would be like. But the sheer scale, speed and tightness of how things ticked over struck me from the start. 

Each department of the factory floor has its daily targets, and if those targets aren't met then it has a knock-on effect on the production line. But with this comes a high level of individual skill from each worker, and a true sense of community and passion. I could feel it as I weaved through the endless rolls of fabrics; the floor in a constant buzz from the age-old machinery.

One feeling that was most apparent was the pride in which the factory team hold themselves. For some it's just a job, but for a many these postitions are highly prestigious – with invaluable skills being past down from one generation to the next.

 Watching the re-waxing process up close

 This Barbour jacket had seen better days, but after a visit to the Customer Service Room it'll be as good as new

The Customer Service Room - otherwise know as alternations - was a fastinating place. Zippers fixed, rips mended, collars replaced, cottons re-waxed, buttoned reattached. Rails and rails of well-loved waxed jackets are either in line to be fixed, or awaiting to be shipped back to their eager owners. If you look hard enough in here you'll spot any number of Barbour collaborations from recent years; Paul Smith, adidas, White Mountaineering, Deus Ex, Liberty's of London, and Pantone to name a few.

Look even closer and you'll come across garments that have been past down generations, in need of a little extra care. Some even dating back to the mid 1960s. That's what you call an investment piece!

After the tour I was walked through Barbour's extensive archive by Senior Apparel Manager, Andy McMillan. A few of the pieces dated back to the turn of the 20th century. Some originally intended for International motorcycling and touring events, naval uniform and other vigurous outdoor pursuits, these garments are all still referenced in the clothing the brand produces today. 

It's the small details that collaborators and designer lap up when exploring the archive; fabric and hardware choices, specific pocket placement, label artwork (hell yes!). But it's the more personal details like army troop customisations, patchworking and hand-written work, that really gets people buzzing.

One thing that really I really enjoy is design with a purpose. Style is constantly evolving, but Barbour's drive to innovate without straying to far from their original product, is testament why the brand has become some a respected name the world over.

Thank you for reading,

Mat

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