Over 150 Years of Experience

About Whaleys Fabrics

Whaleys was established in 1869 by Mr Samuel Whaley, about whom not a great deal is known. The activities of his enterprise at that time were silk and jute weaving, with one floor processing textile sacks and bags.

Over 150 Years of History

We are a UK-based textile supplier with over 150 years of heritage. We provide a diverse range of fabrics and materials for various industries.

1898
Whaleys Bradford Limited is established by Mr Samuel Whaley.
Not a great deal is known about Mr Samuel Whaley; the activities of his enterprise at that time were silk and jute weaving, with one floor processing textile sacks and bags.
1908
Whaleys moves to new premises on Bolton Road, Bradford.
The original premises were off Leeds Road in Bradford, West Yorkshire, before moving to Bolton road in 1908, finally taking over its present site, Harris Court Mills in 1973.
1900
Harry Jowett takes over Whaleys Bradford Limited.
Harry Jowett was the great-grandfather of the present Managing Director. During the First World War, weaving was suspended and silk making abandoned. When normal work recommenced an industrial fabric section was established to furnish the textile finishing industry.
1921
Harry Jowett's sons-in-law take over Whaleys just before his death.
Just before Harry Jowett’s death in 1921, the firm was taken over by his two sons in law, Fred Popplewell (MD, on photo above) and James Robert McIlvenny.
1945
Whaleys Bradford: a fourth generation family business.
After the last world war Fred and James Robert were joined by James’ sons, Harry and James Fredrick, eventually being joined by James Frederick’s son and Managing Director, Peter, who now represents the fourth generation.
Present Day
Over the years the company has expanded and diversified.
It has introduced a department which specialises in producing theatre curtains along with a range of flame proofed fabrics, in addition to a large fashion fabric section supplying fabric designers direct. It is interesting to note that this includes offering Silk again, after an absence of 70 years!