150 Years of Craft – A Celebration of Cloth, Culture and Continuous Innovation
2025 has marked a defining moment for us at William Halstead. Reaching 150 years of weaving in Bradford has offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on our heritage, acknowledge the strength of our partnerships, and reaffirm the principles that continue to shape the fabrics we create. This has been a year of purposeful celebration — not only recognising where we have come from, but clarifying where we are heading.
A Cloth That Marks a Milestone
To commemorate our 150th year, we have designed and woven a limited-edition anniversary cloth that represents the essence of our mill. Combining 53% Summer Kid Mohair with 47% Cashmere, the fabric brings together the clarity and resilience of mohair with the softness and refinement of cashmere. Its hopsack construction adds structure and depth, creating a cloth that is both contemporary and firmly rooted in our technical understanding of fibre and weave.
The bespoke selvedge bearing our 150th-year mark serves as a quiet nod to this milestone. More importantly, the cloth stands as a reminder of the standards that define us — precision, consistency, and a commitment to weaving fabrics with purpose and integrity.
A Year of Global Engagement
As part of our seasonal calendar, we once again exhibited at Première Vision Paris in February and September and at Milano Unica in July. These shows form a core part of how we connect with customers and present both our seasonal launches and stock-supported collections.
This year, the significance of our 150th anniversary shaped many conversations. Customers who have worked with us for decades shared their reflections on the fabrics we have produced, the evolution of our collections, and the continuity of skill that has defined our weaving for generations.
Meeting new clients during a milestone year added further momentum, reinforcing the relevance of British worsted weaving on the global stage. While these trade shows are familiar territory for us, in 2025 they became a meaningful platform to recognise the relationships and the trust that underpin our work.
A Cultural Collaboration for Bradford 2025
One of the standout moments of our anniversary year was our collaboration with artist Ann Hamilton on We Will Sing, commissioned for Bradford City of Culture 2025.
We manufactured a bespoke fabric for this large-scale installation, showcased across the top-floor galleries of Salts Mill. The project offered a powerful intersection between craft and culture — a rare opportunity for our cloth to play a role in a narrative that celebrates Bradford’s identity, history, creative spirit, and textile industry.
Working with Hamilton allowed us to apply our expertise in a different direction, bringing technical precision to an artistic concept while supporting a cultural initiative rooted in our home city. In a year defined by legacy, being part of Bradford 2025 provided a highly relevant and meaningful connection to the place where our story began.
A Year That Strengthened Our Future
As we reflect on 2025, what stands out most is how this anniversary year has reinforced core principles that have guided William Halstead since 1875. Our dedication to weaving in our Bradford mill, our focus on quality fibres such as mohair, and our commitment to producing fine worsteds remain central to who we are. At the same time, the year has clarified our forward direction: investing in innovation that enhances performance and character; expanding the creative applications of our cloth; and continuing to build partnerships grounded in expertise and mutual respect.
This milestone has not simply marked the past — it has strengthened the foundations that will carry our weaving into the decades ahead.
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