Comments on: At Rayner & Sturges, Shirtmakers

By: Geoff Sturges

Geoff Sturges — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:28:21 +0000

I spent many happy moments with my brother Nigel who was loved by everyone. My father employed me to work there as soon as I left school. I earned the princely sum of one pound a week!
Some years later, I returned to work there under the guiding hand of Len Nutton who was in charge of the sister company called Sewprima. This company made innovative machinery for the sewing trade and made good progress selling Speedtracks tm and Automatic Needle Positioners. All the devices were used upstairs by the collar workers, thus streamlining the finished product with great efficiency. Derek Heather as a sub contractor, was very helpful as a sheet metal specialist forming much of the machinery in production. The equipment went on display in several industrial trade shows including one trip to Atlanta in the USA. After many years later, having returned from 18 years in Cyprus, I rejoined Rayner and Sturges and continued to make hardboard patterns which was in much demand by Tony Rose upstairs in the cutting room. Unfortunately, Sewprima had since been disbanded but the machine workshop continued under my guidance.
We mustn’t forget the valuable work Bill Potter did for R&S as the chief cutter. He at one time, used to live next door to the factory in Westcourt Street. We should also remember Frank Somerset for his valuable contribution to Sewprima as a reliable delivery man who travelled all over the UK. Many happy memories for a sadly forgotten family business.

By: John O’Connor

John O’Connor — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:54:48 +0000

Oh the memories! In the 1980s I worked at Hilditch & Key Jermyn Street and had the absolute pleasure of seeing Nigel Sturges every Wednesday and Friday when he delivered the shirts to us, thoroughly professional and shirts of outstanding quality.Nigel had fantastic sense of humour and we got on well, think the cutter I knew was called Tony, shoulder length hair . Great times

By: Mark Carbutt

Mark Carbutt — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:48:43 +0000

I was Factory Manger for 18 months at Brompton, Gillingham Factory
Lovely people

By: philip saunders

philip saunders — Sat, 02 Sep 2023 22:41:26 +0000

I have some Alexander Boyd shirts. Nicely made and, if I remember correctly, cheaper than Jermyn St equivalents.
A long while ago (mid 2010s?) the business moved to Chard in Somerset.
I have a feeling that was through a merger with the Turnbull and Asser (I think ).
I bet none of the Chatham workers relocated to Somerset ! I hope their skills were preserved somehow!

By: Angela Twyman (nee Sturges)

Angela Twyman (nee Sturges) — Thu, 11 May 2023 13:49:46 +0000

How lovely to see the old sepia pictures of my grandfather and the team. Sadly grandfather passed before I was able to know him, although grandma Sturges and uncle Nigel would tell wonderful stories.

By: Jane Kennedy nee Blundell

Jane Kennedy nee Blundell — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 17:35:51 +0000

I worked in the work room during 1969 – 1973 from when I was 19 until I was 23 I left to get married.Nigel Sturges was the director .We saw him maybe once or twice a week.Terry Henly, ( I think that is hi surname ? ) maybe 21yrs who worked upstairs he was the cutter.There was also a man which came in part time,no name.Maybe he was the Master cutter. ???
Also Elain worked in the office with another older lady,no name.The other names I
can remember are – Jean Masie Marther and Joan. Joan has a daughter Christine she very kindly stepped in to be one of my brides when I was seriously let down less than a week before the wedding. She had red hair.Does anybody remember Joan ? her husband work on the railway.
I loved working there. The craftsmanship was next to none.

By: Derek H

Derek H — Sun, 17 May 2020 22:03:29 +0000

Nice one Tone, just as i remember you over all the years there.

By: Mark Carbutt

Mark Carbutt — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 14:25:49 +0000

I was Factory Manager and Production Manager for about 18 months during the time of Nigel Sturges being Director.
It is nice to see the company doing so well and Tony the cutter.

By: Rob

Rob — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:48:24 +0000

Such a shame the factory’s been sold off, the staff laid off, and Charles Boyd-Bowman is up in front of the courts for tax evasion…mind you, they’ve been treating the staff terribly for years

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:12:35 +0000

What an interesting piece. I lived in the next house down the hill for the 1st 5 years of my life (1945-1950). I didn’t realise the factory was still open.Long may you keep up the tradition.