1865

The founder, James Hare, sets up as a merchant of woollens and worsteds from a cottage in Leeds.

1891

The company grows into one of the largest fabric wholesalers in Britain specializing in woollens and worsteds for the tailoring trade. The founder, James Hare, travels each day into work in a horse and carriage. His wife and daughter would regularly accompany him to go shopping in Leeds. This symbol became the companies' famous horse and carriage logo.

1908

James Hare the founder dies, his sons Arthur and Clifford continue the business.

1913

The company starts to manufacture cloth with 7 looms.

1922

James Hare is the first company outside London to install a teleprinter link.

1935

2,000,000 metres of fabric is despatched from James Hare warehouse in this year.

1937

Record number of orders despatched, 1,168 parcels by 12 noon on the Wednesday following Easter holiday.

1939

James Hare is the only english fabric manufacturer to guarantee their dyewares during the Second World War.

Queen Mary and the Duchess of Gloucester posed for a photograph on the James Hare stand in White City, London

1939-1945

During wartime, James Hare offers the entire fleet of cars at the disposal of candidates supporting the national government, along with the services of their chauffeurs and department managers.

1951

The company concentrates on the export trade, opening offices in Canada and Germany.

1953

James Hare, the founder's great grandson joins the company.

1984

James Hare becomes the leading supplier of silk fabric to the bridal trade.

1999

The company moves into the interior design trade, exhibiting at Design Interiors, Birmingham.

2000

Charlie & Saffron Hare, the founder's great great grandson and daughter join the company.

New colour card of handwoven dupion launched comprising of 160 colours.

Team of interior agents is established to cover the UK. 

 

2002

Exhibit at Decorex, London for the first time.

2004

A range of cushions and throws is introduced

2006

Launch the Secret Garden and Venetian Silks collections.

2007

Launch the Pergola collection. New Orissa dupion colour card introduced comprising of 73 colours at 140 cms wide. James Hare sponsors the Nutcracker by the Northern Ballet Company.

2008

James Hare opens in the dress fabric department of John Lewis, Oxford Street, London.

Launch the Chinon Silks and Plains collections.

 

2009

James Hare launch their new interior fabrics at Maison et Objet, Paris for the first time.

The company introduces silk wallcoverings and fire retardant services.