The Stansborough Story
The history of Stansborough dates back to the 1850’s, when this picturesque Wairarapa Valley Farm, just 2 hours drive from Wellington, was first discovered by European immigrants. Almost 3000 acres of steep green hills, with panoramic views and bush clad river valleys make up this beautiful sheep and cattle station.
Barry and Cheryl Eldridge purchased Stansborough Farm over 18 years ago after moving from England in 1971. It was soon apparent to them that if they were to be successful they needed to diversify. The Eldridge's discovered a primitive breed of rare grey sheep. It took over 18 years of selective breeding, to create this unique grey sheep now known as the 'Stansborough Grey'. They are the only ones in the world. The 'Stansborough Grey' sheep wool is spun, and then woven at the Stansborough Weaving Mill in Wellington. The diverse range of top quality textiles and accessories that are created are then exported all over the world.
A key to the Eldridge's success is their distinct vision from farm to fabric and their involvement in the entire process. From producing the sheep on their Wairarapa Farm, through to the designing and weaving of the designer fabric in their Wellington Weaving Mill and the marketing worldwide, Barry and Cheryl have a hands on approach. Cheryl personally sorts every fleece into three shades of grey as it is shorn. When it comes to the design of fabrics she takes her inspiration from the environment. The weaving of the distinctive fabrics and textiles is Barry’s forte. The industrial worsted looms at their mill date to the early 1890’s and are the only six working commercially in the world. They are among the first mechanical looms ever designed and are capable of fine or chunky weaves, small or commercial runs. It can take up to two days to hand thread the looms before weaving.The resulting fabric has a unique, handmade and natural feel, which makes it distinctive from other mass-produced commercial products. The 'Stansborough Grey' wool produces a fabric that is silky and lustrous with beautiful draping qualities. The emphasis at the Stansborough Mill is on quality not quantity and totally eco friendly. Most of their production is not seen in New Zealand, but exported to exclusive top-end market outlets in Australia, Europe, England, the United States and Canada. The Stansborough range includes fashion fabrics, accessories, interiors, baby wear, corporate gifts and most notably, the fabrics for the Lord of The Rings Trilogy, Narnia and other NZ movies. Because the fibre can be woven, knitted and felted there is no limit to what can be produced.
Alpacas are also bred and farmed at Stansborough and Alpaca fibre is used to enhance the range of fabrics and designs. With more than 20 different natural shades, Alpaca fibre expands the colour palette and has the added benefits of being both light weight and warm.
Experimentation, innovation and hard work has helped shape and evolve the Stansborough story over the last 18 years. Barry and Cheryl acknowledge that they have met and been helped by some wonderful people along the way and they describe their success as a "team effort”. Innovation, enthusiasm and the “ability to think outside the square” have also played a major part. For both Barry and Cheryl their business is a real passion - a passion that was born by their love of Stansborough Farm. “It is our drive and our sanity,” says Barry.
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