Aquascutum, the historic British clothing brand that has clad Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother in its erstwhile trench coats, has gone into administration.
Around 250 jobs are at stake, and though Tilland invested around £20m in Aquascutum after purchasing it in 2009, the Financial Times understands he can no longer afford to support its losses.
Aquascutum was founded in 1851 by tailor John Emary. He patented the technique of waterproofing wools and reportedly was the first tailor to introduce the cloth in his designs. Aquascutum is a fusion of the Latin words for water (aqua) and shield (scutum).
In its early days Aquascutum was best known for a style of trench coat worn during the First World War, after the company was commissioned by the government to design coats for British soldiers
Lady Thatcher has also been pictured in the company's designs, as well as Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant. Glamorous Hollywood stars such as Sophia Loren and Greta Garbo also favoured the British stalwart. Take a look at some of their classic shots below.
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Hold on, I thought that the trenchcoat worn by officers during WW1 and after was commissioned from Burberrys using their patented gabardine. Burberry was, and is, the top choice and was made famous not only by Royal Warrant but also by such intrepid characters as Amundsen and Mallory not to mention Bogart and Michael Caine plus many others; even Inspector Clouseau. The Burberry trench is a much better garment than the Aquascutum version without any doubt.
Mister_J_G_Reeder: Hold on, I thought that the trenchcoat worn by officers
We have more wealthy people in this country than we've ever had and this top end brand goes under.This can only mean that the rich are getting tight aswell,bet Primark and Matalan are clicking their heels lol.
sterry393: We have more wealthy people in this country than we've
Looking at the names that were famous for wearing Aquascutum is maybe a clue ? Another firm that maybe rested on it's laurels and didn't move with the times . It is all very well complaining that we are losing British business but most of us will buy goods produced from anywhere as long as they are cheaper.
Makalha: Looking at the names that were famous for wearing Aquascutum
It's not a question of buying were it's cheaper,we dont manufacture clothing anymore,which is a shame,just think how many jobs would be created,oh i forgot nobody as those skills anymore.That said there must be someone somewhere that does,but then again no banks will lend to businesses,oh well, thats why we buy from other countries,cheap does not come into it,CHOICE is what is needed.
pepekitch: It's not a question of buying were it's cheaper,we dont
The manafacturing was lost because it was cheaper to produce abroad .... and therefore could be sold cheaper or with a bigger profit. Manafacturers will chase the countries that can make cheaper and as and when they begin to demand higher wages etc. the manafacturer will move on . It is no good making something at a price no one will/ or can afford to pay.
Makalha: The manafacturing was lost because it was cheaper to produce
Not surprised in this day and age. They made high quality clothes but at enormously inflated prices, I bought a blazer and a coat from them ad almost needed a second mortgage. High quality clothing does not need to be so expensive that "the man in the street" cannot afford it. They priced themselves out of the market, unfortunately.
majdf18148: Not surprised in this day and age. They made high
......and another British Institution bites the dust........Great Britain hasn't been Great for many years now, even the United Kingdom isn't really United anymore is it? The Scots are extremely vocal about getting their independence, why not give it to them! The irish, well that needs no explanation does it! Then the Welsh ...... England I think would do far better concentrating on itself and getting back to being able to stand alone and supply again. Cast the rest apart as they wish, it can only be better for England to concentrate the help where it is needed.
terriminx2: ......and another British Institution bites the dust........Great Britain hasn't been
Me either to be honest but my point is that yet again something that has been running in Britain for a very very long time is about to end ................. whether I have used it, heard of it or not. So sad.
terriminx2: Me either to be honest but my point is that
I don't this we are unique in our way of thinking - pity though we cannot all pull together and make something happen to make our country ours again - something to be proud of again - the government as it stands nowadays, any of them, wouldnt dare to allow a referendum.
terriminx2: I don't this we are unique in our way of
terriminx2 The irish, well that needs no explanation does it
Hmm tarring all the Irish with the same brush are we? There is quite a big group that does not want to belong to the Republic for whatever reason (religious, political or economic) and no not every N.Irish person likes to fight, is drunk 24 hrs a day, or wears a balaclava at night.
mirola: terriminx2 The irish, well that needs no explanation does it
No not at all, and I am sorry if I gave that impression - I am half Irish myself. I meant to infer that it needs no explanation, the problems are in everyone's memory and it is multi-faceted. It would take too much explanation. I would never belittle anyone's problems, grievances etc, the last person to do so in fact. My apologies.
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PA/Huffington Post UK | Posted: 17/04/2012 14:25 Updated: 17/04/2012 14:26