Maria Miller MP visited the Hampshire Cultural Trust to view their Burberry collection.
In 1856 a 21 year old ,Thomas Burberry, set up a draper’s shop in Winchester Street, Basingstoke. His clientele were the local market town population who traditionally made their own clothes but who were beginning to explore ready-to-wear options, the rural agricultural community who required durable outerwear, and increasingly, gentlemen with large country estates in and around Hampshire who had ample leisure time for sporting pursuits.
In 1879 he patented a waterproof material, gabardine, a breathable fabric that repelled water due to its fine threads and sophisticated method of weaving and proofing.
Maria viewed Smocks dating from 1909 designed used by workers as a protective garment and a 100 year old Trench coat amongst other items.
Maria commented; “It was wonderful to see how this Basingstoke company developed a product of worldwide renown which lives on today. The collection shows how this Basingstoke Entrepreneur developed a product used by soldiers during the war and also catered for a wide range of customers throughout the world.”