"Since
1801 PJ Haggarts of Aberfeldy have been weaving some of the finest tweeds in
Scotland supplying many Highland estates including the Royal family. We have a
classic range of heavy weight keepers tweeds that can be made into some
timeless classic country clothing perfect for that day in the field or on the
hill. "
Old shop lost in changing times
When the doors shut on P&J Haggarts tweed shop in
Aberfeldy last week, Scotland lost a bit of history.
ByDailyrecord.co.uk
00:00, 21
SEP 2012 UPDATED16:34, 11 NOV 2013
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/old-shop-lost-changing-times-2727874
When the
doors shut on P&J Haggarts tweed shop in Aberfeldy last week, Scotland lost
a bit of history.
The listed
building on Dunkeld Street has been an outlet for tweed country clothing since
1882 and according to current Haggart’s owner, Robert Simpson, was one of only
three old-fashioned shops of its kind left in Scotland.
The
Haggarts family firm started in 1801, founded by James Haggart. It was at first
based at the village of Acharn on the south side of LochTay.
James
Haggart collected wool from the many farmers around Loch Tay, spinning it into
yarn and then weaving it on handlooms into a material which would make warm
clothing.
James
handed the firm onto his sons Peter and James. Their initials make up the
P&J of the name that came to represent rugged clothing for outdoor people.
Peter and
James Haggart decided bigger premises were needed and relocated to Keltneyburn.
Then in 1882 they set up shop in Aberfeldy in a fine new red sandstone building
designed by popular Victorian architect, James MacLaren.
The
retailing shop and tailoring business allowed the firm to offer a service that
went from purchasing raw wool to the selling of completed tweed suits.
James Dewar
Haggart took over and expanded the business far beyond the confines of
Aberfeldy. In 1934 he installed power driven machinery in the mill and
installed a water turbine to power the machinery and to light the shop.
James
Haggart served in both county and town councils and was Provost of Aberfeldy
for more than 36 years. He displayed tremendous energy in marketing his goods
and was rewarded with Royal patronage, including the Queen Mother.
The shop
proudly displayed Royal Warrants dating from 1899 to 1960 on the front of the
building. Many estate owners commissioned designs for their own private tweeds,
and the firm to this day keeps around 150 individual designs of tweeds used to
dress everyone from Russian tycoons to gamekeepers.
Patricia
McArthur started work in the shop in 1951. She told The PA: “Back then I was
paid19/4, £97p a week.
“There were
six tailors sitting at a big table, a cutter, a fitter and many apprentices. My
first job was to sew the buttonholes.”
John
Simpson came into the firm after James Dewar Haggart died and was followed in
1998 by his son Robert.
“We were
doing well with around 50 per cent of orders going to the USA,” said Robert.
“But that
vanished with the shock of 9/11.”
CLICK to Enlarge the Images
1 comment:
It’ a pity that these shops cann’t survive.
Post a Comment