First established in Castle Cary in 1837 by John Boyd, the company continues the tradition of horsehair weaving using the original looms and techniques. Horsehair fabrics are used mainly for upholstery of both classical and modern upholstery. Originally used by Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, as well as for Biedermeier and Empire style furniture, this traditional English fabric has inspired architects and designers all around the world, such as Alvar Aalto, Josef Frank and Saarinen. Horsehair fabrics are highly regarded for their quality, durability and lustre which is unequalled by any other natural fabric, as well as their inherent fire resistant properties. The new John Boyd weaves and colours were shown at Decorex this year, designed by Max Rollitt.
