The origins of the Wolsey company go back to a business founded in 1755 by Henry and Ann Wood in an industry that at that time was small and “cottage” based.

When Henry died in 1768 he left the business to his wife Ann who managed the company for the next ten years. 

The company then became Ann Wood and Sons with her youngest son joining in 1780. Following Ann’s death in 1813 the business was continued by her sons. The company had a long-running business relationship with George Walker of Scotland who was a wool merchant and hosier based in Glasgow. For many years, this proved beneficial for the company as the majority of their orders came via Walker’s company.

This relationship developed when in 1825, George Walker’s son Robert Walker moved to Leicester to learn more about the hosiery business. It was in 1840 when Robert was employed by Ann Wood and Sons. In bringing together the two hosiery and knitwear businesses Robert became a partner in the firm in 1842. Roberts greatest contribution was in taking the business from a cottage industry to a factory based concern.

By 1883 Ann Wood and Sons had become the largest hosiery manufacturer in the Leicester area and in 1897 the company registered the “Wolsey” trademark so named after Cardinal Wolsey who was buried in Leicester. In 1910 a new factory was built in Leicester covering an area of 2.5 acres. This factory now became the company headquarters and Leicester began to be known as the fashion manufacturing capital of Great Britain.

The quality of their products is evidenced by their use by famous explorers such as the Norwegian Roald Amundson and the British Ernest Shackleton. During the First World War, 75% of the company output is supplying 18 million items of underwear, scarves and jerseys to British and allied troops.

A selection of Wolsey advertisements showing the range of style during the mid-century
period of the 1950s L-R 1956, 1957, 1959 and 1960

Up until this point, the output of the company went to wholesalers but in 1919 this changed with the company supplying direct to retailers. At this time, as sporting pastimes were increasing rapidly, the company developed products specifically aimed at these markets.

The most significant year for the company was 1935 as it was in this year that they received their first Royal Warrant as Hosiery Manufacturers to his Majesty King George V. This honour continued with subsequent monarchs and they still hold the royal warrant today.

In 1966 Wolsey became a member of the Courtaulds Textiles Group eventually being sold to the group.

The “Fox” motif, now famous for Wolsey golfing garments was first introduced in 1974. Another significant milestone came in 1985 when Wolsey became the first company in the UK to be granted BS 5750, the British Standard for quality systems in sock manufacturing.

Wolsey celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2005 and in 2010 the company was bought by the Hargreaves family.

Although the company today is a menswear business we feature a series of company adverts from the 1950s and 1960s featuring products aimed at women. These aspiration advertisements feature bold colours and mixed media illustrations. The advertising style remains ‘young’ and ‘trendy’ while also appealing to women who want bold colours and high-quality garments. Over the years hand-drawn illustrations give way to newer techniques using photography, but the adverts remain striking and eye-catching in their appearance.

It has been a joy to put together this article. I hope you have enjoyed reading and browsing the adverts as much as I have and remember – there is more to see at the archive. Just send us a message to book a space in our newly opened reading room.

Richard Roberts