DRAPER OF GLASTONBURY
STORY SO FAR
Draper of Glastonbury (legal name R. J. Draper & Co Ltd) has made sheepskin footwear in Glastonbury, Somerset, since 1937, and is still owned by the same family, now into its fourth generation. The company says leathermaking has taken place on its Chilkwell Street site since 1886, and points to a local sheepskin tradition stretching back to the monks of Glastonbury Abbey, who began tanning skins in the 12th century. It makes sheepskin slippers for men and women alongside boots, gloves, driving shoes, loafers, insoles, rugs and accessories, and bills itself as the oldest sheepskin footwear manufacturer in the UK (a company claim, not independently confirmed). Its neighbour and fellow local sheepskin firm Morlands closed in 2024.
DESIGNED BY
Designed in-house by the Draper family team at its Glastonbury factory. UK-based: Yes.
MADE BY
Per the brand’s own statements: every pair is made by hand at the company’s factory on Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, taking around four weeks to complete, and the brand describes itself as ‘Made in England since 1937’. Retailers say much of the suede comes from a Scottish tannery, so some materials are sourced elsewhere in the UK; no parts-by-percentage breakdown is published.
TO BUY
Further information
Further research reading
https://makeitbritish.co.uk/best-of-british/british-sheepskin/
Region Made
Glastonbury, Somerset
