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R.J.Draper & co ltd
The company was founded by Richard J Draper who after many
years in India and Canada, had become involved in the 1930’s
with a Glastonbury glove maker, Harry Cox. His Success in marketing
the products, particularly gloves for industrial use, led to
him taking over the premises and setting up his own company
in 1937. The original buildings were a former chapel and cottages
dating back to the medieval days of Glastonbury. Mr Cox’s
original company was started back in 1911.
From working on Government contracts and supplying safety asbestos
and leather protective wear, the business was gradually extended
to make use of the available raw materials of sheepskin and
leather. A pool of skilled local labour, with specialists experience
drawn from generations of working with sheepskin, encouraged
the development of the footwear business.
By 1946 suede and sheepskin slippers were being made, as well
as leather and suede sandals with crepe soles.
In 1952 the footwear manufacturer of the local firm Baily’s
was taken over and the Baily’s brand was used for several
years on warmlined boots.
The present chairman Richard D Draper, joined his father in
1955 and it was at this time that new Italian vulcanising machinery
was installed for boot making.
During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, the company
became a major boot supplier to the U.S.S.R and extra factory
facilities were taken over in Clevedon and Bristol. By now about
four hundred people were employed in manufacturing Draper products.
In 1959 manufacture of sheepskin clothing was started at Glastonbury
and soon the Clevedon facility was also used to cope with the
demand for coats.
The third generation of the family came into the company when
Nicolas R. Draper, in 1979. He is the present Chief Executive
and is responsible for our retail outlet and web site, which
is housed in one of the oldest original listed buildings on
the Glastonbury site.
Today the company is still very much a traditional family concern,
giving employment to about 20 people, producing an average of
1000 pairs a week, twenty five percent of which is exported
to the highest quality accounts throughout the world. The Glastonbury
premises, extended in 1962, is situated in the shadow of the
famous Glastonbury Tor.
The "Draper of Glastonbury" range consists of luxury
sheepskin lined boots and slippers that are still hand made
in the Glastonbury factory using the finest materials and skills
available and are sold throughout the world.
Please email us with any questions that we can help you with
at info@draper-of-glastonbury.com
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