Famously worn by celebrities and supermodels like Kate Moss, Liam Gallagher, Rhianna and even the late Queen Elizabeth II – Burberry has been a fashion brand through the ages.
The instantly recognisable high-end fashion brand takes centre stage on catwalks and fashion magazines around the world – and for many years, Burberry clothes were made right here in Whitby.
It is 25 years this year, since the factory, which was in the current Abbey Wharf pub and indoor market building, closed its doors.
Burberry took on the building, which dates back to the 1800s, after the Second World War and converted it into a factory, even extending it during the 1960s.
For more than 50 years, the factory was one of the biggest employers in the town, with around 150 people working there.
However, former staff say they didn’t know at the time they would be making garments which now sell for hundreds and thousands of pounds.
Before staff were taken on, they had to make a child’s mac so factory bosses could check their suitability before offering them a job.
In most cases they were allowed to keep the garment. Many have since passed them on or not kept them, not knowing they would now be selling for in the region of £800 for a child’s one or £2,500 for an adult size.
One was Sally Landers, now a travel counsellor.
Sally started working at Burberry, aged 17, shortly after leaving school. She had planned to be a hairdresser but it didn’t work out, she couldn’t cook, but could do needlework, she recalls.
Speaking on The Anchor podcast she says she was tasked with making the back sections of macs, her sister-in-law worked there on belts, others just did buttons.
Each member of staff had a particular section dependent upon their best skills.
At the time, says Sally, they had no idea of the cultural and fashion significance.
Sally said: “We didn’t realise how famous they were. We used to have a sale twice a year where we could go and buy a mac. An adult mac was £5. I never got myself one because I didn’t think they were trendy.
“We used to get brollies and bags but I didn’t buy one because I didn’t appreciate what they were. When they went up to £6 everyone was furious.”
Away from the sewing machines, there was a strong social life amongst the Burberry staff as most were local, friends, aunts, sisters and generations of the same family.
They would go out in Loftus Club on Sunday nights and still be at work for 7.25am on the dot, remembers Sally.
She also remembers the rejects she had to stitch again the following day.
At Christmas, staff were treated to a bag of luxury products, not Buberry, but it was a good company to work for.
Sally recalls: “I can’t remember the wage but it was piecework on top of your wage. I was there to make money. It was great fun, but I never lifted my head up from the machine.
“It was good for the town, it was the most money I could earn at that point, the employers really looked after us.”
Sally says she would be able to spot a vintage mac now and tell you whether it has been made in the Whitby factory because theirs didn’t have labels.
She left Burberry when she turned 21 as her parents ran a launderette and wanted her to take it over so they could take on The Windmill pub in Stainsacre.
When the factory closed in 2001, there was a feeling of sadness in the town.
The building re-opened as The Shambles, many ex-Burberry staff were curious to see how the place had changed.
“It was quite sad”, said Sally, “it took them quite a while to renovate it. When it opened we all had to go and reminisce and sit where we sat and where our machines were.
“The offices had been knocked down but nothing really changed. You’d get your drink and sit where you used to. Mine overlooked the market place. Great place, great memories.”
Listen to the full interview with Sally Landers on our podcast, The Whitby Cast.
