Barbour history

He also produced the first Barbour catalogue in 1908, which as well as targeting seamen and farmers, focused on fishermen forming the core of its future business.

In 1912 J. Barbour & Sons became J. Barbour & Sons Ltd with John Barbour as Chairman and Jack and Malcolm as joint Managing Directors.

John remained as Chairman until he died on 7 July 1918 and was succeeded by Jack Barbour.

In 1919, Malcolm introduced the Barbour’s Buying Agency which was founded to enable Barbour’s to act as purchasing agents – buying and supplying any goods that Barbour was unable to provide directly from the shop or the catalogue on behalf of anyone living overseas.

In 1928 Duncan Barbour, Malcolm’s only son joined the business, having learnt his trade at Bainbridge’s, Newcastle’s biggest department store.

Waxed cotton also appealed to farmers and gamekeepers, and even found its way into Barbour motorcycling apparel as early as 1934, later popularized by American actor and cycling enthusiast Steve McQueen.

Upon Duncan’s return in November 1945, he set about expanding the business.

In 1957, 97% of all competitors who took part in the Scottish 6 Day Event rode in Barbour International Oiled Cotton suits.

Steve McQueen and the rest of the US team stopped by in London to buy their Barbour Internationals en route to compete in the 1964 ISDT in East Germany.

Margaret and her management team introduced new manufacturing and operational systems and throughout the 1970’s, efficiency and productivity increased and sales were buoyant.

The beginning of the 80’s saw the design of many current Barbour classics – the Bedale (short lightweight thornproof short riding jacket) the Border and the Beaufort jacket. It was the lightweight Border jacket that epitomised the growing trend of the 1980’s for smart casualwear as more and more people began to wear Barbour for general everyday activities.

In 1988, The Barbour Trust was set up to support local and national projects dealing with a variety of community issues including welfare, health, homelessness and unemployment as well as donating funds to support international disasters such as the recent Tsunami tragedy.

In 2004, Barbour began to work with Lord James Percy, younger brother of the Duke of Northumberland and considered to be one of the most renowned all round shots of his generation, in the design and marketing of its flagship shooting clothing.