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In the early 1850s Robert Walker, in keeping with his Scottish heritage, adopted the Scottish Thistle as the company’s trademark. In 1864 manufacturing was extended to incorporate an extensive range of under and outer garments. By 1883 the company had become the largest hosiery manufacturer in the Leicester region, and its products gained the highest award for hosiery at the Chicago Great World Fair. Company policy ensured that new technology was embraced in order to extend the product range, and significantly furthered its position as market leader through its ability to manufacture ‘Unshrinkable Woollens’. To herald this achievement an entirely new name was adopted under which the products were launched and sold. On 12th October 1897 the company registered the “WOLSEY” trademark. The “Wolsey” name was inspired by the powerful ecclesiastic and statesman Cardinal Wolsey, who was buried in Leicester. Upon his death the Cardinal was found to be wearing a woollen undergarment made by the Augustine Canons of the Abbey where knitting was a practiced occupation. The company issued a statement in support of its new trade mark. “This trademark has a fuller meaning than the usual. It does not stand simply as a protection to its manufacture, it carries an assurance to the purchaser of its superiority. Indeed a product made by Wolsey has no equal for durability and general excellence.” The first Wolsey advertisement appeared in the “Drapers Record” in July 1898. Top left: Image of Cardinal Wolsey Bottom left: Cardinal Wolsey’s Coat of Arms Middle: Image from advert circa 1900 Right: Version of the first Wolsey trademark |
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