There are several knit brands in Europe with a history of 100 to 200 years, but among them, "PEREGRINE" is one of the oldest, founded in 1796, making it over 220 years old.
This time, Yasuhiro Hasegawa from Mashimo & Co., Ltd. introduced us to the brand's history and its classic items which are considered masterpieces.
"PEREGRINE was founded in Wigston, a town on the outskirts of Leicester, England, by a man named Thomas Glover as a hosiery business. The brand has been passed down through eight generations, continuously cared for by the Glover family.
"When Thomas's grandson, the third generation Samuel Glover, took over the business, they employed over 26 people. As the 1900s began, the knitting business was thriving, and after several years of success and significant investment in the venture, in 1901, John George Glover, the fifth generation of the family, established 'JG Glover & CO. LIMITED.'"
Supply to the British Army & Trade with America
By this point, over 100 years had passed since the establishment, and it had already become an established knit manufacturer. However, the company continued to grow, and let's hear more about it."In the early 1900s, JG Glover & CO. LIMITED began supplying socks to the British Navy, Army, and Air Force Research Institute. They continued to produce military clothing even during World War I. By 1920, they had employed over 300 people and started exporting products worldwide.
"Later, owner John George crossed the Atlantic over two weeks to start trading with America, expanding to a global business."
The Birth of the PEREGRINE Brand
In 1956, 160 years after its establishment, the PEREGRINE brand was finally born. Let's introduce some items that are now part of the classic lineup, inheriting this history."Donald Glover, the son of John George and the sixth generation, established 'PEREGRINE CLOTHING' as a new brand and began manufacturing clothing for major department stores in the 1970s, thus expanding the brand.
"In the 1980s, inexpensive overseas products began to flood the market, but even during these times, PEREGRINE focused on high-quality Made in England. Here are a few items that remain as staples to this day.
"First, the 'WILKINSON CARDIGAN,' inspired by traditional country sweaters, is an original design item by the current owner, Tom Glover. It uses 100% merino wool, making it very soft and sturdy with a substantial feel."
Each Knitting Pattern Has Its Own Meaning: "HUDSON ARAN"
Next, let's introduce the traditional "Aran sweater." Named after the Aran Islands, this sweater is also known as the "fisherman’s sweater" and is widely knitted in fishing towns across Europe. PEREGRINE offers this under the product name "HUDSON ARAN," which is also a historic item."Originally created for fishermen who went out to sea in bad weather, the Aran sweater has various knitting patterns, each carrying different meanings related to safety and prosperity in fishing. The combinations of these patterns vary by the knitter or the brand.
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