Princess celebrates textile firm's 250 years

Princess Anne, who is the president of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, was given a tour of the Batley mill, which has been at the heart of the Yorkshire’s historic textile industry since the 18th century.

Joshua Ellis is owned by SIL Holdings and was established in 1767 originally as a clothiers, before diversifying into woollen textile manufacturing in the late 18th century.

Renowned for producing the finest handcrafted cashmere and woollen cloth, Joshua Ellis fabrics and accessories are sought after by luxury fashion houses and are exported from the Yorkshire mill to over 23 different countries.

The company’s design director Kristie Reeves said: “We were thrilled that The Princess Royal was able to join us for our 250th anniversary celebrations and the staff have really enjoyed taking her behind the scenes of our fantastic mill.

“There has been such a buzz in the air and we have given her a real insight into the incredible skills of our design and production experts who help to maintain Yorkshire’s position at the forefront of fine weaving in England.”

Mark Robson, regional director for the department for international trade in Yorkshire, added: “Joshua Ellis is part of the very fabric of Yorkshire’s rich history and tradition of textile manufacturing with its cloth and accessories now exported to countries and fashion houses worldwide. We join The Princess Royal in congratulating the business on achieving 250 years of excellence at home and abroad.”

Originally based in Batley Carr Mills, the factory, which employs 55 staff, was moved to Grange Valley Road in 2003.