John Smedley is delighted to announce its partnership with British mural artist Melissa White, as it proudly marks its 240th anniversary. Unveiled at London Craft Week, the collaboration is a celebration of legacy and longevity, paying homage to the artisanship, heritage, and hand work that defines the company and its core values. Manifesting as a floor-to-ceiling painting, the artwork respects John Smedley’s past and present — a fitting tribute as it looks towards its future.
The mural is a visual storytelling, showcasing over 70 distinct references from John Smedley’s history, from the merino sheep and Sea Island cotton plants it sources its finest fibres from, to the babbling brook that powers the mill, which appears rippled with delicate stitches. Set against a backdrop of the undulating Lea Mills countryside, which is peppered with gentle dry-stone walls, each meaningful illustration is an individual strand that forms part of the wider John Smedley narrative — a pictorial guide that, when woven together, creates a tapestry-like history, much like one of its signature knits. Sweaters and long johns appear, some hanging on a washing line as if drying in the Derbyshire breeze; cherry blossom trees signify John Smedley’s deep trade and craft links with Japan; an archival spinning wheel references its manufacturing prowess, which remains vertically integrated today.
“My visit to the mill left me with heartfelt appreciation for the familial legacy within the fabric of the John Smedley brand,” says Melissa White, who visited the headquarters in Matlock, Derbyshire, which the company has called home since its inception. “There is so much history and community within its walls. This reliable continuity gives me faith in the product and trust that everything is made to the finest quality, bolstered by 240 years of fine-tuning and passion for the craft.”
The artwork, layered with stories and designed to delight viewers with something new each time, is a metaphor for John Smedley today. “We’re always looking to surprise our customers; all eyes on the future, we’re never standing still,” says Jess McGuire-Dudley, Deputy Managing Director for John Smedley.
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Today, the family-run company, founded by John Smedley in 1784 and holder of two Royal Warrants for its world-renowned premium knitwear, is committed to responsible production methods to safeguard the company and protect its artisanal craft. “We’re going through a process of radical change to update our machinery and processes, making positive moves towards reducing CO2 emissions on the way to Net Zero,” says Ian Maclean MBE, Managing Director of John Smedley and eighth-generation family member.
Aligned with its milestone birthday, this meaningful mural will be translated across knitwear and silk scarves. This forms the first in a series of anniversary-led activations to launch throughout the year. “The painting is a beautifully multi-faceted piece of everyday luxury, much like our products,” says Jess McGuire-Dudley. “We’ve taken the design and knitted this into sweaters, creating a wearable artwork — it’s a timeless ode to our brand that can be worn for many years to come.”