Isle of Mull Weavers

The original Isle of Mull Weavers was founded by Bob and Kathy Ryan in 1987. The business was bought by Andrew and Anne Smith in September 2011, although Bob continues to offer his support – he is currently Master Weaver at the mill and was recently honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to weaving and the economy of Mull. Ardalanish Mill can be found on Ardalanish Farm which lies in the remote south west corner of the Isle of Mull, extending west from the white sands of Ardalanish Bay. The Smiths rear native Kyloe Highland cattle and Hebridean sheep, using the sheep’s wool for weaving their unique and distinctive tweeds. Their wonderful fabrics depends on the harmony between weaver, farmer, land and livestock. Add scourers, carders, spinners and an awareness of ethical business and you create a perfect balance. This is a business woven from the land upwards. For Ardalanish, the production of textiles from British native breed wool is a step towards revitalising the traditional industry of weaving. The rich black wool from their Hebridean sheep makes hard-wearing articles and traces of similar wool have been found in ancient island burial chambers. Colours range from black and charcoal brown, fawn and silver grey through to a rich creamy white. More recently Isle of Mull Weavers have also been using natural plant dyes such as woad and madder to add a hint of bright colour to these beautiful earthy shades. All items are woven on Victorian Dobcross power looms, of the type that have helped sustain the British textile industry for over a hundred years. Although slower than modern looms, they enable the weavers to maintain the highest quality by overseeing every inch of cloth produced. Aiming for quality over quantity, the weavers pay close attention to every detail at each stage of the production process. The result is that whatever the garment, their finished tweeds will keep their shape and, cared for properly, should last for generations. Alongside the tweeds, Isle of Mull Weavers also produce a range of unique and distinctive scarves, shawls, wraps, throws and blankets. For more information visit www.ardalanish.com.