The Henry Poole archive is a constant source of inspiration for many of the designs, cuts, and garments showcased in our showroom today. With nearly 220 years of sartorial history, we’re uniquely positioned to understand garments on a deeper level, not merely through their stories, but through the lives of the individuals who wore them. This knowledge enables us to thoughtfully adapt classic tailoring for the modern gentleman, preserving traditional design details, such as a working button cuff or an outside ticket pocket, that may now be more aesthetic than functional, but still offer an elegant nod to our heritage.
Our house specials are a particular point of pride, featuring fabrics exclusive to Henry Poole and crafted solely by the skilled artisans at No. 15 Savile Row. Each fabric is carefully selected and added to our special collection only after thorough deliberation. Occasionally, however, a fabric presents itself as an obvious choice. Such is the case with our newest introduction, a homage to the 5th Earl of Lonsdale.
Hugh Cecil Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale (1857–1944), was a true sporting icon, affectionately known as “Lordy.” He lived almost entirely for pleasure and sport, serving as the founding President of the National Sporting Club and donating the original Lonsdale Belts in 1909, an enduring symbol in the world of boxing. The renowned sportswear brand that bears his name still trades today. He was also an accomplished huntsman and master of five hunts, including The Quorn (1893–1898), and was noted for his sharp shooting and impeccable style. He had his suits made from his own signature Lonsdale tweed and even commissioned separate colours of woven tweed for his estate staff, details of which are all meticulously recorded in our ledgers.
When we uncovered correspondence from 1912 between the 5th Earl and Howard Cundey, discussing a selection of bold shepherd’s check tweeds, it became clear that the next Henry Poole house special had found us. With Standeven, the original mill behind the Earl’s tweed, still in operation, we felt it only fitting to return there, 113 years later, to faithfully recreate the vibrant and elegant design. Originally woven as 16oz, we have adapted the Earl’s tweed for modern comfort, reducing the weight to 11oz. To retain the warm, luxurious feel suited for autumn and winter, we’ve added cashmere to the composition. This not only imparts softness and warmth but also creates a beautiful brushed nap in the finished cloth.
The Henry Poole Lonsdale Check launches in September.
To place a pre-order, please contact joseph@henrypoole.com.
