It made pith helmets for young Englishmen heading off to the jungle. It supplies the Royal family and almost every child at a pony club wears its protective headgear.
But after 114 years, family-owned riding helmet manufacturer Charles Owen has called time on production in the UK.
Dave Derby, the chief executive of the Wrexham-based company, said in a note sent to customers this week that the company would have to cease production in mid-December following a row over its lease.
While Charles Owen is trying to find a new factory, Mr Derby said the “complexity” involved in making its riding helmets meant the UK production could not continue. Some protective clothing will continue to be manufactured in China.
The news has been greeted with dismay by the riding community. Claire Williams, the executive director of the British Equine Association, called it “incredibly sad”.
The company holds a Royal Warrant as the official manufacturer of “protective headgear” to the King. His mother, Elizabeth II, gave it its first Royal Warrant in 1983 as the supplier of helmets to “the Royal mews”, the stables at Buckingham Palace.
Charles Owen is best known for its traditional velveteen hunting hats. The most expensive of these, the Fian, has a tan leather strap and a traditional satin headband. These are commonplace out in the hunting field and retail at £249.
It is these British-made hats that will be affected by the production halt.
The company’s more modern offerings, such as the Kylo, which is certified to various international safety standards, costs £128. These models are made in China and will still be available.
‘Extremely difficult decision’
Charles Owen’s history dates back to 1911 when its eponymous founder began manufacturing tropical pith helmets in east London after attending hat making classes at night.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.telegraph.co.uk ’
