Man's two piece suit
George Saunders, Tailor
Category
Costume
Date
1990
Materials
Worsted
Measurements
440 mm x 740 mm
Place of origin
Birmingham
Order this imageCollection
Birmingham Back to Backs
NT 92495
Caption
This double-breasted suit was made by George Saunders, a highly skilled tailor from St Kitts in the Caribbean, who moved to Birmingham in 1958. His practice tells us much about the influence of Caribbean tailoring in the mid-20th century. Saunders learned his craft from his father and was known for his ability to cut and tailor, creating incredibly well-fitting garments. His ability to adapt and adjust by eye was comparable to tailors on Savile Row. Racial discrimination meant that Saunders struggled to find employment as a tailor, but he eventually set up his own shop in 1974. His reputation as a bespoke tailor meant that he never advertised, but boasted a wide range of customers including celebrities, businesses, local fashionistas and people willing to invest that little bit extra in order to look sharp. A handwritten note left in the trouser pocket indicates that this suit was made for Tony Ho and cost £335. Unfortunately, we don’t know who Tony was, or why he didn’t collect his made-to-measure suit. Charlotte Holmes
Summary
Man's two piece suit: double breasted suit in dark grey fabric with faint stripes with George Saunder's label. Folded paper in trouser pocket with measurements and customer name written in pencil. Waistcoat is missing.
Provenance
Gift of George Saunders, tailor who resided in House 57 from 1974 - 2001.
Marks and inscriptions
Designer Clothes. Geo Saunders Master, Designer, Tailor. Member of Craftsmen Tailor Association
Makers and roles
George Saunders, Tailor, tailor
References
Antrobus and Slocombe 2025: Helen Antrobus and Emma Slocombe, 100 Things to Wear: Fashion from the collections of the National Trust, National Trust 2025, pp. 200-201.