The (His)Story of Kemp and Hewitt

Kemp & Hewitt fabric sample advertisement circa 1962

 
Kemp and Hewitt was a traditional “West of England” mill located in Nailsworth, Near Stroud Glouscestershire, run by my grandfather, William Lovell-Hewitt, and his family. Fully vertical, the mill was known for supplying Cheviots, Calvalry Twills, Whipcords, and Bedford cords to most of the powerful London woolen merchants and at one point it was the largest producer of billiard table cloth.
 
Kemp and Hewitt etched its place into the history books when my grandfather pioneered the modern tennis ball in collaboration with the Avon Rubber Co. and became the sole supplier of this cloth for many years.

The mill closed over 30 years ago, as demand for the these heavy traditional cloths diminished. However, it still stands today, converted into residential apartments.

- James Sheed

James and the next generation

89 Maywood Road, Norwalk, CT 06850
Toll Free: 888-383-5103*Phone & Fax: 203-838-3000