Step through the iconic red door of Private White V.C. and into one of Britain’s last surviving coat factories—an atmospheric 150-year-old Manchester mill where history hums through every floorboard and modern craftsmanship thrives against all odds.
In this immersive tour, Nick walks the labyrinthine factory with CEO James Eden, great-grandson of the decorated WWI hero who inspired the brand’s name. Together, they climb creaking staircases, breathe in the scent of wool and old machinery, and explore everything from the archive packed with 6,000 vintage garments to the cutting room untouched by automation, to the buzzing sewing floors where artisans craft trench coats, pea coats, bridge coats and more—each one stitched with quiet copper tributes to Private Jack White’s Victoria Cross heroism.
You’ll see:
✨ The 100-year-old Manchester-made bandsaw ✨ Jackets worn by rockstars, actors, and even James Bonds ✨ How water-resistant Ventile fabric is cut, sealed, and constructed ✨ The pattern library dating back to the 1920s ✨ Bespoke creations, military originals, and rare archive treasures ✨ The brand’s commitment to true British manufacturing—no outsourcing, no shortcuts
This is more than a tour. It’s a love letter to British craft, perseverance, and the magic of making things that last.
If you enjoy slow fashion, heritage brands, or just beautifully told stories about people and places—this one’s for you.
Ventile in it’s original form was never described as waterproof.