SOUND ARCHIVE

Living Linen Interview LL2_R00/34

Sound Recording : Magnetic Tape, Reel

Spence, Ralph (Mr) (Primary maker)
Spence, Ralph (Mr) (interviewee)

03/05/2000
03/05/2000

Sound Recording on Reel: Spence Bryson. Library Transcript: Transcript. Summary: Spence Bryson was founded in 1885 by John Bell Bryson and, Ralph Spence's grandfather, Thomas Henry Spence. The two men founded a weaving factory in Portadown. Ralph Spence entered the family firm in 1958. Spence Bryson was a vertically integrated firm and Ralph spent a period of time in each of the main sections. After his training Mr Spence was put in charge of linen sales - becoming a director of the firm in 1964 on his father's retirement. There were three sales divisions: handkerchiefs, suitings and embroidery cloth. Mr Spence was eventually responsible for all three. Although they produced a diverse range of cloths, the firm originally specialised in fine handkerchiefs. They later went into carpet production and wove a lot of embroidery rayons at their Loopbridge factory. The firm also had a business relationship with Johnston Allen. The two companies were joint owners of Edenderry and Brookfield spinning mills, and of Milltown bleach works. There was no personal connection between the two sets of families and no business agreement beyond the joint holdings. The two companies came to an arrangement based on their similar manufacturing basis and a shared desire to establish themselves as integrated firms. Although the firm owned two spinning mills yarns were also bought from Herdman's, Andrew's and Campbell's. Spence Bryson bought over a number of smaller companies (particularly in the handkerchief business) and continued to run them for a number of years. Ralph Spence was based in the Piece Goods Division in Great Victoria Street. The firm had a network of agents throughout the world. Mr Spence travelled frequently; particularly to apparel markets and exhibitions, and to nations where they had only recently appointed an agent or were yet to establish a sizeable trade. The selling season varied from country to country. 60% of Spence Bryson's annual handkerchief sales occurred in the run up to Christmas. Crease resistance was not a serious problem. Linen was worn in hot climates because it was comfortable. In the Italian market, creasing was looked upon favourably as it was deemed characteristic of linen and left passers-by in no doubt as to the type of fabric being worn. The apparel trade became much more difficult once linen changed from being a ubiquitous clothing fabric to a fashion item. Irish linen carried a certain cachet in some markets - none at all in others. Italian producers were the main competition. Although Italy had a greater flair in terms of design they could not produce the very finest linens for the handkerchief and shirting trades. There was little to chose in terms of price. In later years Eastern European and South American producers have undercut Irish linen. A decision was taken to focus on the top end of the market, producing linens of a quality that could not be equalled by the new challengers. Spence Bryson contracted. Brookfield mill was closed and Edenderry sold to Herdman's. Weaving was concentrated at Markethill. This was a reflection of the times. Little business was lost to local competitors. The handkerchief division and the Madeira trade held up well. The once profitable carpet division lost out following the installation of a backing plant. Teething problems put the factory out of operation for 6 months. By the 1980s the directors were ageing and none had children interested in pursuing the business. The decision was made to sell out as a going concern. The firm was sold to Richards PLC. Mr Spence continued as a director up until his retirement.

HOYFM.R2000.74

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