Our Bespoke made to measure service for men, women and children covers all historical periods and social classes from 1100 - 1900. All our clothing is designed to be historically accurate using primary source evidence where available. Where at all possible, we work from extant costume held in the many museum collections, but of course, there are many items that no longer exist anywhere. Where this is the case, archaeological textile finds, paintings, woodcuts, manuscripts and even woodcarvings or statues are used in supporting evidence of the pieces we create.

Visit the Periods Gallery page to view examples of our work, the Testimonials page to see what our customers have to say about us and then, when you are ready, read the How We Work section below to see how to you could soon be proudly wearing your new outfit.

How We Work (The Order Process )
The order process begins with you, the client, contacting us. You can use our on-line enquiry form, or contact us by phone (01302 562875) to discuss your requirements. You will need to specify the Historical period and the social class of the person you wish to portray and let us know whether you will be needing head to toe outfitting, or whether you have certain garments that you would like us to work around. For example, fitting a bodice over an existing corset, or colour matching a doublet and trimmings to an existing pair of breeches. We are happy to work to any painting/portrait, but the image must be of sufficient quality for us to see the details! It may be that you need assistance in deciding which items you will need or a style that is appropriate and we are always pleased to help and advise where we can.

After we have undertaken any research that may be needed, we will supply you with a full no obligation quote, held for 3 months and tailored to suit your requirements. We will usually also supply you with an order form, a measuring chart and any samples that are relevant to your quote. All people are individuals bringing individual attitudes, flair and budgets to the Character that they wish to garb - plainly, a hand made replica of an outfit worn by George I is going to be more costly than a victorian street urchin.

Lead times run from the receipt of your order and deposit and are usually 8 - 12 weeks, but can sometimes be longer if demand is heavier, so please check with us prior to ordering.

All our garments are tailored to your personal measurements and close fitting garments, such as corsets, bodices, doublets etc will need to be fitted to you individually. After your initial pattern has been drafted, the basic garment is made up as a toile [usually from calico] and a fitting date is arranged with you. Two fittings may be required for complicated pieces, but generally one fitting is sufficient. It is sometimes possible for us to arrange fittings for our International customers. International enquiries are welcome so please contact us to discuss your ideas and we will help if we can.

After fitting, your outfit is carefully made up, although constructed might be the better term, especially for those items that involve corsetry! Certain items have to be completely handsewn as that is the only way that they can be made and look correct. Some examples of this would be Elizabethan ruffs, French and English hoods and medieval arming jacks. Generally speaking, however, we employ the intelligent use of a sewing machine for seams where the stitching is not visible to the eye and handfinish anything that is to be seen, with the notable exception of buttonholes. These can be handsewn, but will add significantly to the cost. We also generally imitate the origonal process of construction where it is known, as this gives further authentication to your garments. We invest a lot of love and attention into the quality and detailing of all our pieces and expect that they should give you years of service and pleasure in the wearing.

We will advise you when your outfit is nearing completion and ask for the balance of your payment. On receipt of this, your order is then despatched or available for collection by you.

Bespoke orders are despatched by Special Delivery within the UK. International orders are despatched using the most secure method of delivery available. Postage and packaging is charged at cost.