Universal Works X John Smedley

We’re proud to announce that we’ve recently been working on a project with the iconic John Smedley of Lea Mills, Derbyshire.

A visit to their Derbyshire factory is a bit like stepping back in time. Drive up into the hills and you find yourself amidst a group of ancient brick factory buildings straddling a small brook that used to power the mill. John Smedley has been spinning cotton and then knitting wool on this exact same site since 1784, a place steeped in history where you can also find the most up to date and modern knitting machinery used today.

It's all quite a history for a company still making quality, relevant clothing. It is amazing to see the amount of handwork that goes into each garment knitted by the people at John Smedley. Any clothing with this much care taken in its creation is worthy of being in your wardrobe.

As part of the project with John Smedley, when visiting the factory, we shot this short film with Liam Saint-Pierre that shows the heritage and contemporary vision of both companies.

Edit 08/04/2014:

We’ve teamed up again with the Smedley team for SS14 to create summer knitwear, perfect for the crossover months. Check out our short video below:

UWHQ

Universal Works Short Watch Cap in Orange British Wool

Universal Works Bakers Jacket in Olive Harris Tweed Weave

Universal Works Duke Pant in Indigo 13oz Selvedge Denim

Universal Works Cardigan in Lovat Wool Fleece

Universal Works Zip Waistcoat in Grey Marl Wool Fleece

Universal Works Oxford Pant in Sand Houndstooth Tweed

Your Bag

Universal Works X John Smedley

Universal Works Short Watch Cap in Orange British Wool

Universal Works Bakers Jacket in Olive Harris Tweed Weave

Universal Works Duke Pant in Indigo 13oz Selvedge Denim

Universal Works Cardigan in Lovat Wool Fleece

Universal Works Zip Waistcoat in Grey Marl Wool Fleece

Universal Works Oxford Pant in Sand Houndstooth Tweed

Universal Works X John Smedley

Sign-up To Our Newsletter