CLOTH FAIR: PROVOCATION, INSPIRATION AND REINVENTION AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023

A cluster of happenings coinciding with the City of London’s Bartholomew Fair

The City of London’s Bartholomew Fair was established in Smithfield in 1133 as a materials trading event/pleasure fair– hence the origin of the location’s name: Cloth Fair.

Given the area’s textiles heritage, what better place for GOFF COURTNEY to hold our debut, somewhat impromptu popup?! Made possible, thanks to the generosity of a local councillor and situated a stone’s throw from where our founder’s grandfather ran his outerwear business near St Paul’s. 

Our redefined ‘popovers’ – aka scarves, gilets, textile necklaces and aprons – turned out to be the perfect introduction and were an instant hit! As was the shop – the only one on the street! The positive feedback was extremely heartening.

As was joining forces with nearby architecture/design gallery www.Velorose.com – whose owner, David Rosenberg looks mighty fine in our Shell Bolero (photo below, right).

It was also great to be part of the fringe https://clothfair.city events which celebrated https://www.greatstbarts.com 900th anniversary by reviving two traditions that originated at St Bart’s in the middle ages: ribbon-cutting and the disputation (forerunner of parliamentary debates) – with a special ribbon designed by Damien Hirst for the City’s Lord Mayor to cut as the opening ceremony and a lively debate around the proposition: ’This House Believes the Love of Money is the Root of the Nation’s Evils’. (Lost, due to MP Michael Gove’s compelling delivery of his argument against the motion!) A fun night that really brought the local community together.