John Smedley (industrialist)

John Smedley is the name of four generations of owners of Lea Mills, near Matlock, Derbyshire. The most famous of these was John Smedley (1803-1879), born Wirksworth, Derbyshire.

Background

Lea Mills was founded in 1784 by Peter Nightingale and John Smedley (father of the better-known son of the same name), and was set up on a hilly site straddling a brook at Lea Bridge, just outside Matlock. The original site is now a showroom for the company and is still the main manufacturing plant for the company's range of designer knitwear. The brook was used to both clean yarn and power machinery.

John Smedley claims to be world's longest running factory manufacturer.

John Smedley, Industrialist and Philanthropist 1803-1879

In 1819 the son of the founder, also called John Smedley, began work as an apprentice. In 1825 he took over the running of the mill, and started an energetic expansion of its operations. The mill at this time had already diversified from cotton to wool, and from simply weaving to knitting. Smedley the younger's plan was to produce a wide range of finished garments, rather than simply manufacture cloth.

In 1847 he married Caroline Harward, the second daughter of John Harward the Vicar of Wirksworth.

Smedley's success and growing wealth enabled other grand projects. He developed an interest in hydrotherapy, and built Smedley's Hydro in Matlock Bath, a spa resort that attracted patrons from around the world. As a family home he also built the massive and ostentatious Riber Castle on a hilltop overlooking Matlock. This is now one of Derbyshire's most famous landmarks.

Upon his death in 1879 the business passed to his cousin, John T Marsden Smedley, and thence to John B Marsden Smedley. In 1893 the operation became a limited company.

Brand Names

The designer label "John Smedley" is now familiar in boutiques, department stores and classic retailers around the world. The company sells to over 30 countries and has won numerous awards for its export achievements. The largest export market is Japan. There are concessions in some Selfridges.

External links

* [http://www.pd65.dial.pipex.com/matlock/pix/smedley.htm photograph of Smedley's Hydro]
* [http://www.andrewspages.dial.pipex.com/matlock/mag/reflections/riber_castle.htm article on Riber Castle]
* [http://www.andrewspages.dial.pipex.com/matlock/misc/pbls.htm#4 bibliography about Matlock]
* [http://www.johnsmedley.com the company's commercial website]
* [http://www.wirksworth.org.uk/SMEDLEY.htm#auto Autobiography of John Smedley, written 1868]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7316662.stm BBC News: Staying in fashion for centuries]