This year marks Johnstons of Elgin’s 225th anniversary, and to mark this historic occasion, they've teamed up with fellow Walpole member Sabina Savage to celebrate one of the most illustrious moments in the manufacturer's biography. In 1851, Henry Cole and Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, hosted the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, London – the event that would require the construction of the famous Crystal Palace, designed by architect and botanist Joseph Paxton. On show were marvels of innovation from across the world, and Johnston's of Elgin was there to exhibit its pioneering work weaving cashmere and vicuna in Scotland. Following this, the manufacturer was awarded a medal for “Superb Vicuna Shawls”.
To commemorate this moment, illustrator and textile designer Sabina Savage has created a unique tapestry print that takes inspiration from this moment in time, including The Crystal Palace, native animals, Scottish foliage, and nods to both the River Thames and the River Lossie, on the banks of which Johnstons of Elgin was established more than two centuries ago.
“My designs always have a story, so it was wonderful to be able to illustrate the historic story of Johnstons’ journey from Elgin to London for The Great Exhibition across the length of the scarf," says Sabina Savage of the collaboration. "The design shows the animals of the Scottish Highlands helping to transport the threads and fabrics to display in London, starting with the stag and hare, and weaving ‘downriver’ to the London pigeon and swan. I particularly love the way this piece starts and finishes with nature. The process begins with the beautiful cashmere fibres, through the illustrated creatures, and finishes with the teaseling process at the mill in Elgin."
This design features across three limited-edition 'Great Exhibition' scarves, availble in two types: a lighter scarf composed of 78% cashmere and 22% silk; and a heavier scarf composed of 71% cashmere and 29% merino wool.
“2022 is a milestone year for us and is a chance to celebrate how far we have come in our 225-year history." said Chris Gaffney, Johnstons of Elgin’s Chief Executive Officer. "Our collaboration with fellow Walpole member, Sabina Savage, is the perfect marriage of craftsmanship and heritage.”
See all the scarves in the gallery below.
The Great Exhibition Scarf will retail at £399 and £449 respectively and will be available online, on both Johnstons of Elgin and Sabina Savage’s websites, and in-store from 2nd August 2022.
