John Smedley Ladies' Turtleneck Sweater, Extra-fine Merino

John Smedley

John Smedley looks back on over 200 years of history in the production of the finest knitwear. The company was founded in 1784 by John Smedley and his partner Peter Nightingale in Lea Mills, Matlock, Derbyshire. The location at Lea Bridge offered ideal conditions, as the brook flowing through the village provided the necessary driving force and a continuous water source for the mill. Initially, the company specialised in the production of muslin and the spinning of cotton. At the end of the 18th century, it expanded its activities to include the production of knitwear and stockings. At this time, John Smedley ran the company alone, while the Nightingale family continued to hold shares. John Smedley is one of the few companies worldwide to master the art of the ultra-fine 30-gauge knitting process. Despite its long history, the company continues to focus on innovation while preserving traditional craftsmanship. The focus is on high quality and fine yarns. The merino wool comes from New Zealand, and the Sea Island cotton is still handpicked and processed in its natural state. John Smedley has collaborated with renowned designers such as Margaret Howell, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Yves Saint Laurent, and Prada. In January 2013, John Smedley received a special honour when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded the company the Royal Warrant as a »Manufacturer of Fine Knitwear«. To this day, the company remains family owned and is synonymous with quality and craftsmanship in the knitwear industry.