OUR HISTORY
A History of J Barbour and Sons
The Barbour story began in 1894 in the Market Place in South Shields. Today the 5th generation family owned business remains in the North East, with Barbour's headquarters located in Simonside, South Shields.
Although we source products from around the globe, Barbour's classic wax jackets are still manufactured by hand in the factory in Simonside,
Barbour now has retail stores presence in over 55 countries worldwide including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, Holland, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand and Japan.
Collections cater for men, women, children and now even dogs! Broadening out from Barbour’s countrywear roots, today our heritage and lifestyle clothing brand produces clothing that is designed for a full lifestyle wardrobe. As well as jackets and coats, the Barbour wardrobe includes shirts, dresses, knitwear, footwear, accessories and more.
Barbour remains true to its core values as a family business which espouses the unique values of the British Countryside and brings the qualities of wit, grit and glamour to its beautifully functional clothing.
1894
The founder John Barbour opens J Barbour & Sons in 5 Market Place, South Shields
1908
Malcolm Barbour produced the first mail order catalogue. By 1917 the catalogue accounted for almost 75% of Barbour's business including international orders from as far away as Chile, South Africa and Hong Kong.
1912
J Barbour & Sons became J Barbour & Sons Ltd with John Barbour as Chairman and Jack and Malcolm as joint Managing directors
1927
Jack Barbour resigned and Malcolm Barbour was appointed Chairman.
1928
Duncan Barbour, Malcolm’s only son joined the business.
1936
Duncan Barbour, himself a keen motorcyclist introduced a motorcycling range which quickly took off and Barbour suits were worn by virtually every British International team from 1936 to 1977 when Barbour pulled out of the motorcycle clothing market.
1939
Duncan Barbour was called away to war and Malcolm Barbour and Duncan’s wife Nancy took over the running of the business. They developed the Ursula suit which became standard issue for members of the Submarine Service. The Ursula suit was named after the U-class submarine, Ursula whose commander Captain George Philips was instrumental in getting the suits produced.
1957
97% of all competitors who took part in the Scottish 6 Day Event rode in Barbour International Oiled Cotton suits.
1957
Barbour moved to the Simonside Trading Estate on the outskirts of South Shields and built a manufacturing plant. After 63 years of being a retailer, Barbour became manufacturers and marketers.
1957
Duncan Barbour died age 48 and Malcolm Barbour again took over the business with Nancy and her son John Barbour age 19.
1964
Malcolm Barbour died age 83 and Nancy Barbour took over the role of Chairman with John as Managing Director.
1968
John Barbour died suddenly leaving behind his young widow Margaret and their 2 year old daughter Helen. Margaret was immediately made a member of the Board of Directors.
1974
1 April Barbour received the first Royal warrant from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
1980
The first lightweight thornproof short riding jacket the Bedale was designed.
1980
The distinctive black and gold Barbour International badge was first seen on the famous motorcycling jacket of the same name.
1981
Barbour moved into a new factory in Simonside where the company remains to the present day.
1982
1 January - Barbour received the second Royal Warrant by Her Majesty the Queen.
1983
The Beaufort jacket designed by Margaret Barbour featured in the catalogue for the first time.
1987
1 January - Barbour received the third Royal Warrant by HRH the Prince of Wales.
1988
The Barbour Trust was set up to support local and national projects and community issues.
1991
In June 1991 Margaret Barbour was honoured with the award of Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to industry.
1994
J Barbour & Sons Ltd celebrated its centenary.
2001
Margaret Barbour was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honour’s List.
2005
Barbour won the Best Shooting Clothing Product at the IPC Shooting Awards for the Northumberland range designed by Lord James Percy.
2007
Barbour was the jacket of choice at the Glastonbury Festival with acts and celebrities such as the Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen,and Rufus Wainwright all wearing the brand.
2008
Barbour won a special commendation at the Sunday Times PricewaterhouseCoopers Profit Track 100 Awards.
2008
Barbour won Best Shooting Clothing Product at the IPC Shooting Industry Awards for the Linhope Endurance 3 in 1 jacket designed by Lord James Percy.
2013
Barbour sponsor Newcastle Falcons rugby team, as the official partner for off the field attire. Dressing players, coaches and management of the Newcastle team whose ground is located just north of the Barbour HQ.
2014
Barbour launches its first collaboration with British luxury vehicle manufacturer Land Rover. The clothing and accessories collection launched in AW14 for both men and women.
2015
Barbour presents the brand at London Fashion Week Men’s for the first time at the Swiss Church in Covent Garden, highlighting key pieces from the AW15 range.
2016
Barbour signs Scottish actor, Sam Heughan, as its first global brand ambassador. Sam’s love of the outdoors and link to founder John Barbour made him the perfect fit.
2017
Barbour launches the Barbour Way of Life brand campaign, this was quickly embraced by consumers on social media, sharing their own #BarbourWayOfLife
2018
Barbour launches Barbour Beacon in the UK, taking the brand's rich heritage and giving it a contemporary twist
2019
Barbour launch a womenswear collaboration with the ALEXACHUNG brand.