Our History

1769 - 1780

1769
Sir Richard Arkwright develops the first spinning machines in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

1780
Susanna Arkwright, his daughter, marries Charles Hurt.

1850

Lace shawls are produced on stocking frames in Nottinghamshire. Most stockings are by now being knitted on power machines.

1912

George Henry Hurt establishes G.H.Hurt & Son. Business begins in an old seed warehouse built in 1781 and has remained on this site to the present day. George sells shawls and scarves knitted on his ancient handframes. The Jaeger Company are the main customer at this time.

1920

G.H.Hurt & Son now knit striped mohair scarves and lace fabric for
short, flapper lace dresses, to suit the fashion of the era.

1930 - 1950

1930
Silk-lined lace jumpers and bedjackets are made from our lace fabric, many have become rare, sought-after, vintage items.

In 1939 the period film "Gone with the Wind" features our mohair shawl, as it looks handmade.

1940
During the war years older members of our team continue to knit the popular head squares in between their home guard duties.

1950
Jaeger sells many of our "Mantillinas" (Stoles) and "Chalitas" (Shawls).

1960 - 1980

1960
The fashion returns to our lace knit mini dresses.

Long viscose Scarves are produced for Biba.

1970
Silk-lined ladies scarves etc. are in high demand from the USA.

Wool shawls become fashionable in continental Europe, especially in France.

1980
Laura Ashley loved the classic English country look and we become the main supplier of Laura Ashley's trademark Cotton and Wool Squares.

1990 - 2000

1990
Our successful association with Laura Ashley continues as our lace-knitted squares are sold in their stores all over the world. These Cotton and Wool squares are now a highly sought-after vintage product.

Our special pieces for Haute Couture designs appear on catwalks in London, Paris and New York.

2000
These days we have a broad spectrum of customers in Australia, France, Japan and, of course our home market.

From Europe to the Far East, today's customers favour our gossamer cashmere knitted shawls, scarves and stoles, all knitted here in Chilwell in the Shetland lace style.

2012

Development of our first “own brand” range. An intelligent blend of traditional patterns, whilst continually innovating with design and creativity, producing a collection relevant for today.

Introduction of on-line shopping at www.ghhurt.com. Making G.H.Hurt & Son designs available to a global audience.

Today

From Tokyo to Tallahassee, we now ship orders for our G.H.Hurt & Son branded knitted lace from our website direct to customers in every corner of the globe.

We’re also growing our product range outside of lace knitwear for the first time. Introducing sustainably made baby clothing and accessories.