As we celebrate Yorkshire Day here at Joshua Ellis, we're filled with pride for our Yorkshire roots and the rich textile heritage that continues to inspire us. Our company has earned a reputation for producing the finest, hand-crafted cashmere accessories, sought after by luxury fashion houses and discerning customers around the world. But this success story began in a rather unassuming place: the small Yorkshire town of Batley.
Yorkshire’s Textile History.
Yorkshire's textile history stretches back centuries, even before large-scale industrialisation. The Yorkshire city of Leeds was a key player in this boom, with wool being a mainstay since the 1400s. A turning point came in the 18th century with the construction of the First White Cloth Hall in 1711, marking a shift from a cottage industry to a centralised trade hub. This success spurred competition, leading to further expansion with additional Cloth Halls and mills specialising in finishing wool and flax. The Industrial Revolution cemented Leeds' position as a textile powerhouse, with Yorkshire becoming a leader in cotton, worsteds, linens, and woollens. Canals and rivers provided transportation for goods, fuelling the industry’s growth, and attracting workers. This led to the building and development of entire mill towns, such as Saltaire. While the industry's size has declined, Yorkshire remains a significant textile producer today, with a continued legacy in fashion and design.
Significance of Batley
Just southwest of Leeds City Centre, Batley, the home of Joshua Ellis, is known for its rich industrial heritage. It was once a major hub for the production of shoddy and mungo, which are types of recycled wool. Today, it is a place where history and modernity coexist. The town boasts Victorian architecture, bustling marketplaces, and the iconic Bagshaw museum, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences. Yet, for many, it wouldn't be the first place associated with luxury cashmere and rare Escorial wool, but it is where the story of Joshua Ellis begins.
Joshua Ellis History
Established as a clothier by the Ellis family in 1767, Joshua Ellis diversified into woollen textile manufacturing in the late 18th century. It was a huge success, exemplified by the construction of Batley Carr Mills, in the late 1820s and early 1830s. Like many Victorian mills, it was a steam-powered operation, expanding throughout the 19th century to include powered spinning, a new dyehouse, and weaving sheds for power looms. Joshua Ellis thrived for many years. However, by 1930, the final member of the Ellis family passed away, and the company changed hands a few times before being acquired by Bradford-based textile group The SIL Group in 2008.
In 2003, Joshua Ellis relocated from its historic base at Batley Carr Mills to a more modern building on Grange Valley Road, staying true to its Batley roots. Today, the company employs 60 people, while the historic mills have been converted into apartments.
Since the acquisition by The SIL Group, at Joshua Ellis, we have embraced modernisation, blending the skills passed down by generations and time-honoured techniques, with modern machinery. Most recently, we have made a significant investment into a new jacquard loom to expand our design capabilities.
Yorkshire’s Inspiration
We take great pride in continuing to weave our creations in Yorkshire. Yorkshire's long history in textiles has instilled a deep respect for craftsmanship within our company. By continuing our craft in Yorkshire, we feel a direct connection to this rich heritage. It shapes our philosophy, our commitment to quality, and our drive for innovation. In every collection, our design team take inspiration from the ever-changing landscapes of the county. From the dramatic coastlines to the quaint villages and rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales. We translate these visual elements into different textures and colours, offering a subtle nod to our Yorkshire roots. This unique blend of tradition and modernity allows us to continue to stand as a leading producer of hand-crafted cashmere accessories and proudly celebrate Yorkshire Day.
