With the weather finally, slowly starting to heat up and April showers nearly upon us – what better time to take you on a guided tour of the history of Hunter.
Origins
Established in 1856, Hunter has been a mainstay of British industrial and agricultural workers uniforms for over 150 years. Founded by American entrepreneur Henry Lee Norris, boots and clothing were produced at the Castle Mills factory in Edinburgh.
There, the same technology that made styles such as the Chelsea Boot and later, trainer soles, so easy to manufacture and market was used by Norris to produce hard wearing rubber products under the North British Rubber Company trademark, later to become known as Hunter.
During WWI, really proved their worth as a trusted and reputable clothing and footwear distributor, but it was their boots that the War Office were really interested in. Running 24 hours a day and producing over 1 million pairs of boots for the British Army, Hunter established itself as a major player in the effort to manufacture durable and reliable apparel to see our boys through the worst of it in the trenches. 30 years later, they were called upon again to provide their services during WWII and by 1939, 80% of the company’s output was for the war effort.
In 2015, Hunter debuted their first London Fashion Week collection proving that they were by no means stuck in the past of their rich tradition and heritage of industrial and agricultural apparel.
Hunter’s reputation has steadily grown ever since. Made traditionally on the last since 1956, the Hunter Original Wellington boot has been revered among celebrities and royals alike.
Royalty
In 1977, Hunter was awarded a Royal Warrant by Appointment to HRH Duke of Edinburgh. In 1986 they were awarded a second to HM The Queen. If they’re good enough for Charles, Liz and co. then they’re good enough for us.
The Original Green Wellington
It doesn’t get more iconic than the Original Green Wellington, Hunter’s famed signature boot. Since its inception in 1956, the brand have been manufacturing the style for everyone from the festival goer to the Queen herself.
What makes the boot so iconic? Simple; its classic, uncomplicated design and its enduring appeal. Hunter didn’t actually invent the Wellington Boot, that accolade belongs to – the Duke of Wellington, actually his cobbler to be exact. An over the knee leather boot was designed for Wellesley modeled on the desire to protect his knees from injury as he had witnessed so frequently in battle.
Various tributes to the Wellington boot were made and with the patented technology of vulcanized rubber, Hunter constructed their own version assembled by hand from 28 parts. Today, Hunter guarantees the same meticulous care and attention to detail is put into every handmade pair of Wellington boots.
With their classic design and durability, the Hunter Original Wellington Boot will carry you through festival season and beyond.
