Now celebrating its 250th year, Christys' Hats' passion for impeccable quality and skilled craftsmanship has passed through generations of hatmakers, safeguarding Christys’ red and gold insignia as a symbol synonymous with fine traditionally crafted hats. Today, the company still produces its hats using traditional methods at its factory in Oxfordshire, England. The journey is such that its craftsmen and women train for many years to develop their hatting skills, and Christys’ prides itself on the unique craftsmanship still applied to their hat making.
Below, we speak to Jonathan Boston, Managing Director of Christys', about the storied history of the hat-maker, exciting developments in this, the brand's quarter-millennium anniversary, and why now was the time for the company to join Walpole.
Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…
Jonathan Boston: Christy & Co Ltd has been manufacturing fine hats in England since 1773. Christys’ was founded by Miller Christy in Stockport, Cheshire. Many of the first tenders for the headwear of Britain's new police forces were created by Christys. By 1843, Christys’ was the largest hat and cap making factory in the world. Prince Albert wore a Christys’ top hat and popularised the style as an everyday essential for the British gentleman. At its height in 1914, the Stockport factory alone employed 3,000 local people and was always managed by direct descendants of the company’s founder. In 2011, department store Liberty acquired Christy & Co and introduced the brand to a new wave of style conscious hat-wearers, including through collaborations with Paul Smith and Margaret Howell.
What is your brand best known for?
We are British hat makers, proud to be category specialists making felts and Panama hats to caps, traditional top hats and Bowlers. Christys’ stands as the godfather of British hat-making – not least since our Homburg hat was worn by Marlon Brando’s Don Corleone in the films of the same name. Speaking of cinematic appearances, it's worth noting that our Poet Adventurer Hat was worn by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones movies.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
This year being our 250th Anniversary year has to be seen as rare milestone for the company. As a British heritage manufacturing company and brand, Christys’ is a true part of our country's grand history in hat-making.
Why do you love the brand?
It is having such depth of heritage and history in the business. This isn't just from a brand story perspective, but backed up with real people and manufacturing skills in our own factory in Witney, Oxfordshire, that is very much present in the now. Combining those together and sharing this to the global market makes me very proud.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
It is the resolution to make to the best products with the best materials and utilise the best craftsmanship and skills – vowing never to compromise on the quality of any of our products.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole Member?
The support you get from the Walpole team and all the like-minded members. Most importantly it is the shared values of the companies and brands cross categories that makes Walpole unique.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole Member, which one would you choose (and what would you like to do)?
Johnstons of Elgin. Makers with a real history and ‘best in class’ specialists who combining both a traditional and contemporary view on the global market with solid values and management. Any excuse to use their wonderful cashmere!
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
In celebration of our 250th anniversary this year, we have created two special anniversary limited-edition Panama hats, made in two of our classic styles (there will only be 250 numbered pieces of each made and released worldwide). These will be crafted using a high-rade Ecuadorian woven weave, with our celebration '1773 - 2023' logo on the soft calf leather band with cream ribbon. Traditionally made in our factory in Witney, Oxfordshire, each hat will be presented in one of our iconic Christys’ red boxes.
