August 25, 2006
english cut is expanding…
[The future English Cut World H.Q.]
English Cut is expanding. We’ve come up with a very fiendish plan. Thomas explains all:
So you will have gathered by now that I’m hatching a cunning plan. My aim is to have the very best available skills in tailoring, working together in an environment conducive to creating beautiful clothes, without anyone having to worry about the rent and the cost of living. These people are all trained on the Row, are at a prime age, and amongst the very best in their profession. We have the potential to build a really vibrant tailoring community here, as good as anything on the Row, that will not only turn out some of the best tailoring in the world, but also ensure the craft’s long-term survival.
I hope to have all these people, including most importantly, apprentices. All under one roof. The roof will be a converted 18th century stable block here on the Warwick Estate. A beautiful lofty building, with views across the countryside. I’m am in the process of arranging the rebuilding of the stable block as we speak.
God willing, here we will be able to really secure the future of this craft, without being crucified by West End London rents. We’ve also got the space here for perhaps a bespoke shoemaker, shirtmaker and any other struggling craft we can help.
What I’m learning from all this? If you don’t like the business model, then change the business model. People who don’t like the new business model, you don’t need as customers.
Splendid! This is indeed good news.
I love it, if I win the lottery I’ll order a suit without the lottery win I doubt if I’ll be able to afford it. The idea of a community of bespoke clothiers(right term) in the North Country is superb. That is the way to be civilized.
best wishes
roger
Amen! This is exciting. I’d like to move in. One of the upstairs loft quarters will do. Would Thomas have use of an amateur stop-motion animator with four cats and a husband? It’s a worthwhile struggling craft too, animation, not marriage, well, for some perhaps…
Excellent stuff Hugh — makes perfect sense and is great for a part of the UK that has been consistently under funded and largely ignored by government. Well done.