Run of the Mill: AW Hainsworth

What do firefighters, Buckingham Palace guards, and Steinway pianos all have in common? They are all adorned with cloth produced and woven by AW Hainsworth, a family-run West Yorkshire mill. Although the name may be unfamiliar, readers will most certainly have seen—or perhaps even worn—Hainsworth fabrics.

The scarlet tunics of the Royal Guards are instantly recognised around the world. UK firefighters put their lives in the hands of the fire-retardant uniforms created by the weavers in Spring Valley Mills, and customers around the globe rejoice in wearing the finest garments created by designers and fashion houses such as Prada and Valentino, which have sourced their fabrics from AW Hainsworth.

Tentering. Rachael Howard.

The mill was founded by Abimelech Hainsworth (at the age of 14) in 1783, but it is now run by 7th-generation Tom Hainsworth, whose eyes are very much focused on the present and the future. Employing around 200 people in the Stanningley mill itself and a further 15 in the dye house, AW Hainsworth is invested in developing the next generation of textile experts.

Picking and Mending. Rachael Howard.

“Our current workforce is full of knowledge and expertise, and we want to make sure these skills are passed on to the next generation,” says Charlotte Law from AW Hainsworth. “This is not just so we can protect the mill’s future but also the future of the UK textiles industry. Textile manufacturing is a highly specific craft, developed over centuries, and it’s one that we’re proud to help flourish in the UK.”

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Words by Jennifer Harper

Illustrations: Rachael Howard