The UK's only manufacturer of clerical clothing and academic gowns has announced it is to close by the end of the year, after 220 years of trading.
Wippell & Co began in Devon in 1789, as a grocer, but went on to be an academic and clerical outfitter, and supplier of church furnishings. With sites in Exeter, Westminster in London and New Jersey, USA, some 44 employees will be affected, but the company said "support and consultation around the redundancy process is now underway".
The announcement comes after two difficult years trading during the pandemic, with the company "losing hundreds of thousands of pounds" as university graduation ceremonies and other face-to-face events stopped.
Robin Richardson, chairman and director, said: “It’s an incredibly sad day and I want to pay tribute to all my colleagues. We will be supporting everyone through this difficult period. The company is committed to providing fair redundancy packages and giving everyone many months’ notice ahead of closure. Most people, including incredibly skilled embroiderers, seamstresses and cutters, have worked here for decades, with many approaching retirement age. I want to personally acknowledge everyone’s dedication and craftsmanship.
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“We are continuing to trade, completing and taking orders in the coming months, including all commitments to servicing and fulfilling all graduations for 2023 and I would reassure customers that our high standards will be maintained throughout this time.”
Founded by Joseph Wippell, the company’s first site, a grocery store and tea dealership, was at 175 Fore Street in Exeter. The firm grew quickly, expanding to become a tailor, funeral director and decorator of churches, and moved to new premises, at 219 High Street, by the time Joseph Wippell Junior was running the business.
During both world wars, the company switched to making and supplying military clothing and equipment, parachutes, signal devices and equipment including torpedo mechanisms for the British armed forces. Today, Wippell trades around the world, to the likes of production company HBO for historical dramas, and clerical costumes on British television shows such as Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
The company has also created costumes for Madame Tussauds and theatre shows including the long-running musical Sister Act. Some of its most famous customers have included cathedrals and archbishops throughout the world.
Christine Morrish, director, said: “The Company has an incredible heritage, skilful employees and loyal customers. Sadly, times have changed. It has been a tough few years because of the pandemic, and is without doubt a much more competitive market, with lower quality machine-made garments from overseas now dominating. Over the coming months, we will continue to support employees and remain fully committed to our customers, continuing to receive and fulfil orders, during this time.”
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