Comments on: Frank Foster, Shirt Maker To The Stars

By: Liz Gilbey

Liz Gilbey — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 10:57:42 +0000

Loved this story, fascinating and fine detail. This is living history, thank you for it.
You may be interested to know that Bernard O’Donnel, the top crime reporter in the UK between the wars, started life in Dublin as a shirtcutter. After distinguished army service in WW1 he came to London and reinvented himself, covering all the top murder trials, confidante of police and villains alike.
He ghost wrote many autobiographies of top police and scientists of the period, and in the days before high tech, his court reports could demand special editions, newspaper buyers selling their copies on for more than cover price as people were so keen to have the news.
His younger son, Peter, created super spy Modesty Blair….and was also an award winning romantic novelist in the guise of Madeleine Brent (clue: same initials) a secret he was able to keep for many years.

By: ian puddick

ian puddick — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 21:10:42 +0000

Wonderful ……just discovered Frank, Im def going to treat myslef to 6 shirts

Great article

Cheers

Ian

By: James Perry

James Perry — Fri, 26 Apr 2019 07:12:13 +0000

This man was a legend among shirt makers. The acclaim is equaled by the quality of his wife Mary’s skill as a machinist. As a fellow bespoke shirt maker I strive to match his eye for detail and bonhomie with my clients.

By: Geoffrey And Lynn ROOTS

Geoffrey And Lynn ROOTS — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 05:27:51 +0000

I am saving this wonderful article !
Ronnie Pescod was my husband Geoffreys
tailor and cherished friend for decades
when he lived in London

I was searching for any information about Ronnie ,
His life’s work and sadly his passing

I lost my wonderful husband Geoffrey in 2016
and I live in Southern California now

Many thanks to you for all these stories and details

Lynn Roots
Feb 16, 2019

By: Amanda

Amanda — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 23:03:26 +0000

l realise this lovely nostalgic, flowing interview happened three years ago but felt bereft when l suddenly reached the end of his story. Such a raconteur.
I wanted it to go on forever. Reminders of a childhood we cannot get back, of heroes who made us laugh like a drain and inspirational characters even if their foibles do get revealed much later.

l loved all the tiny details of my grandparents era. The secrets kept by those dual purpose shirt tails and hand-me-down clothes. The path which lead to his soulful talent unfolding. His dad’s raw reaction to “life” as a rear gunner. Thank goodness he intervened.

Amusing to read the reason for the flatshare and the revelation Norman’s films netted more than the Bond movies

l recently read film reviews for Norman Wisdom’s classics surprisingly from a fanbase dotted all over the world. Frank’s chum Norman was loved internationally, not just in Great Britain.

Wise Frank Foster was also loved and revered. Such extraordinary lives are rare today.
It would be fantastic to publish a cameo of more of his stories, beginning with those who knew him on this blog like Darren and Patrick, as well as Mary & Sam.
No one could have created a better written tribute than TGA.

By: Peter Moon

Peter Moon — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 01:17:41 +0000

I was honoured to be a client of Frank and Mary for many years. I was introduced to them by my old style Saville Row tailor called Ron Pescod and used Frank for my shirt making until I left England for the Far East in the early 90’s. The fun of a visit to his shop and the temptation always meant I bought more shirts than I needed. This is very lucky as to this day I still have over 20 or 30 of his shirts I wear regularly, The square tales are perfect as in the tropical heat I can wear them outside for comfort. It says something for the quality of the materials and fine workmanship. Thank You so much.

By: Sarah-Jane

Sarah-Jane — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 08:36:15 +0000

What an amazing history. Having read the later article I know you are no longer with us, thankfully Mary & Sam are carrying on your wonderful traditions. I’m saving up (at 64 yrs old) to hopefully purchase one of your masterpieces

By: Darren McGavin

Darren McGavin — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 21:14:26 +0000

As a postman who used to deliver to FF Shirts at 10 Clifford St, I became acquainted with Frank many years ago. Someone who could leave you opened mouthed with some of the stories he would tell you about the rich and famous. I can recall Bernie Ecclestone being a frequent visitor most mornings. After chatting to Frank and leaving, you always felt 10 feet higher. A wonderful and very wise man.

By: Denis Foster

Denis Foster — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 19:24:16 +0000

Very interesting gentleman.

I think I have a connection with Frank Foster. I am aged 74!

He had an older step/half brother William Ernest Foster – born 30th May 1919 – my father!

He died in July 2010. He served in the RAF from 14.02.1938 and retired as a Sqn. Ldr on 31.12.1975. He never allowed conversations about his experiences during WW II. Nor did he speak about any relatives other than Uncle Ted.

My father had an older step/half brother Edward Randall who served many years in the Royal

Navy, and lived in Dartford, Kent in his latter years.

His mother, my Grandma Rose, nee Everson, his mother died in November 1975.

She was a glassblower before she married for the first time.

I would like to make contact with any of Frank Foster’s surviving relatives if it is allowable and they are agreeable.

By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 21:13:54 +0000

Truly fascinating insight into a real craftsman. I loved reading this.