Burberry Celebrates Methods, Materials & Makers

Hosted at their London Fashion Week 2016 venue, Makers House, Burberry and The New Craftsman are currently holding a seven-day event exhibiting not only the skills needed to craft and manufacture their garments, but also the history of the brand and materials used.

The venue, hidden away in an enchanted forest setting surrounded by statues and sculptures pays homage to all involved in the process of creating the many luxury garments offered by Burberry. 

 

Upon entering the venue guests are greeted by a table spread of sweet treats by Thomas’s, all of which honour British heritage.  From Jammy Dodgers to Custard Creams and Bramley Apple Crumble Cake to Toasted Crumpets, butter & jam, eyes will be wide open before even seeing what Burberry have to offer.

Walking around the venue offers a vast amount of knowledge.  The Royal School of Needlework and students attract attention as they sit and stitch Elizabethan styles of embroidery creating pillowcases and cushion covers, taking attendees back to the start of the brand, when everything would have been created by hand by Burberry founder Thomas Burberry.

Forming a queue in the venue, those in attendance stop to watch calligrapher Rosalind Wyatt in amazement, who in her Gabardine tent, writes in the unique Burberry font onto images for all.  Focusing mainly on names to add a personal touch, Wyatt showcases skill and elegance in her work.

  

Burberry’s history throughout Makers House, in particular designs, concepts, ideas, materials and more can be seen sprawled over the walls taking you through pivotal moments in the brands history, delving into themes, heritage, press and how Thomas Burberry came about dressing specific people.

 

On hand to demonstrate how colour and design is applied to Burberry’s silk scarves and garments, Rose De Borman creates prints that are available to buy. 

Taking up the main space upstairs is Burberrys’ 2016 collection that was recently shown at London Fashion Week, enabling those that were unable to see the collection on the catwalk to see garments in detail.  The show itself is played in the background on a screen, where many stood to watch as Christopher Bailey presented the collection to onlookers at the show.

Over the course of the week (21st – 27th September) more features are added to Makers House including photography, military embellishment, theatrical readings on a grand staircase, visible mending, bookbinding and experimental design. For fans of Burberry this is a must attend unique event that gives the ability to dive into the history of the brand, making you feel almost a part of the creative skills and methods applied. 

Words and Images by Rebekah Louise Litherland

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