Heritage
Where old meets new in a wonderful historic building which was once the backbone of Taunton’s industrial heritage.
1880s
Discover More1881
Collar works built
Producing ladies' fancy collars and gentlemen's collars in linen. Own by Robert M Moody of Aldermanbury, London
1920s
Discover More1922
John Manning Van Heusen brought six machines from the USA
John Manning Van Heusen brought six machines from the USA which could be used to produce semi-stiff collars on the curve, a process invented by his father, John Senior, using woven cotton fabric. This revolutionised the industry and made the previous uncomfortably stiff collars obsolete. The brand name Van Heusen attained international renown.
1928
The company changed
The company become Harding, Tilton and Harley Ltd.
1930s
Discover More1936
A new wing is constructed
A new wing fronting Queen Street and a further extension across Prices Street involved the construction of a high-level covered walkway and a brick stack. The existing brick stack is only the lower portion of the original, and the walkway was demolished in 2011
1950s
Discover More1952
Branch factories open
The British Van Heusen Co Ltd came into being and this stimulated the opening of branch factories at Bishop's Lydeard, Bridgwater, Crewkerne and Watchet.
1960s
Discover More1962
Administration block built
In 1962, a three-storey administration block in Victoria Street flanked by the additions to the production units was built.
1970s
Discover More1971
Collar production ended
Collar production ended to make way for more fashionable collar-attached shirts. By this time the company had become a subsidiary of Coats Viyella.
1990s
Discover More1990
Factory ceases
The factory ceases production entirely
1992
Premises bought
The premises are bought by Summerfield in January of 1992.