Made in Manchester – Private White

Private White V.C. Clothing Handmade in Manchester

Proud of our northern heritage, The Sporting Lodge is now stocking Private White VC which combines finest English manufacturing in one of our favourite cities, Manchester, England, with an excellence in selecting the best materials to offer robust, functional and stylish menswear with a traditional heritage.

So where does the name originate? Born in Leeds in 1896, Jack White signed up to the Royal Lancaster Regiment. On 7th March 1917 he heroically swam under gunfire in the Dialah River, Mesopotamia saving the life of his commanding officer and the valuable equipment on board his pontoon. That same year he was awarded the Victoria Cross which is the highest honour for his courage.

Jack returned to Manchester and trained as a pattern cutter, became General Manager and then owner of the factory which still stands today. The factory is now the home of the brand which carries his name and Private White VC has since been acquired by Jack’s great grandchildren who are proud to champion Made in Manchester and Private White VC.

All the Private White VC collection is expertly constructed by hand in the Private White VC Factory, Manchester, where garments are designed and developed using only the finest regionally sourced fabrics, trims and materials.

The company is run by Michael Stoll and James Eden, Private White’s great grandson, and has a staff of 80 who make clothes for their own label; as well as for other prestigious brands, such as Purdey and Holland and Holland. They have also made for Aquascutum, Burberry and Nigel Cabourn. Nick Ashley, son of Laura Ashley, is the designer who has worked for Kenzo, Tod’s and Dunhill Menswear to name but a few.

It is a delight to now stock Private White VC – a truly fine “Made in Manchester” brand.