Ali Vintage Fabric

The company Bernard Wardle started in the 1930’s and  by the late 40’s were producing a wonderful variety of designs in cotton chintz and hand & roller printed linen for interiors from their base in Stockport, Cheshire.

Above picture shows the bee logo on the selvedge of a piece of 1930’s /40’s linen.

‘french garden’ an early design from the 1930’s or 40’s on cotton.

After 1950 Bernard Wardle  introduced colourfast dyes which enabled them to use vibrant colours in new popular patterns.

By the 1960’s the company Bernard Wardle had became well known for producing high quality fabric and printing for Heals and using designers such as Robert Dodd, Colleen Farr, Elizabeth Tuff, Janet Taylor and Natalie Gibson. Edward Pond was design director from 1962-65 introducing a series great designs.

‘cathedrals’ by Edward Pond

‘guinevere’ 1960’s abstract floral design.

Edward Pond’s ‘malaga’ produced in a variety of colours .

‘vanessa’ by Hilary Rosenthal 1966

‘barbican’ by Robert Dodd

The Wardle Pattern Books were presented to the Whitworth Art Gallery in 1962.

Everflex was an offshoot of the main Bernard Wardle company becoming famous for making fabric for car interiors and soft tops. Rolls Royce, Bentley and Jaguar being some well known customers. The main branch of Everflex opened in 1948 in Caernarfon, Wales and closed in 1980.

Further information about Vintage Fabric can be found at the links below.

Website

Ebay