William Bliss Cotswold County Tweed Archive Collection

Back in the day little did we realise that our passion for genuine vintage clothing both mens and womens would have led us to where we are today.

There were many particularly influential items, too long to list, that were fascinating to us .And at that time items from the 1930's and even further back were common. Perhaps THE most influential were traditional British tweed Hacking Jackets and the like. 

That is how we first came across the name William Bliss. The firm made cloth for lots of well known makers and were credited as such in small letters on famous labels. We did come across far fewer splendid examples with only the Bliss cloth label  made by individual tailors.

We had so many requests from vintage customers to find garments in there particular size that were  exceptional one off finds that we began to make our own garments and nearly 30 years later here we are, and very pleased to find that what essentially was and now is again, to us that a local historic producer is back ! 

Not only with wonderful historic patterns but other superb choices that take into account a very different world from the 1880's. 

See more below and contact us for our well known personal service

Welcome back William Bliss.

William Bliss Cotswold County Tweed
An archive collection, woven in England
This extraordinary archive, dates back to the 19^th century,  when it was created and woven at the historic Bliss Mill in Chipping Norton, the Cotswolds. The mill was built in 1872 for cloth manufacturer William Bliss and Son, to make fine tweed cloth from locally produced wool. It was designed by the architect George Woodhouse of Bolton, who also designed mills in Lancashire, including Victoria Mill in Miles Platting.   Sadly The mill closed in 1980 and was converted into residential apartments in around 1988.

These original designs have been reproduced at Fox Brothers Mill in Devon. These old patterns have a surprisingly contemporary look to them, a credit to the innovative designers at the mill. The weight is perfect, at 475g 16/17oz, for a year-round tweed jacket or cool season suit. The finish gives the look of a traditional rustic tweed, but with a fairly soft handle.  Irresistible for us modern tweed lovers. There are also some wonderful, richly coloured wool Cavalry Twills. 
Our favourites from the collection have been added to Bookster’s website for you to choose from. 
View New Cloths at Bookster