Swindon & Wiltshire News
Princess Anne pays visit to Marlborough fabrics factory
The Princess Royal has paid a visit to fabrics, wallpaper, lampshades and accessories manufacturer Fermoie.
Princess Anne made the visit to the firm’s Marlborough studio in her role as President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association
During her visit, the royal watched the printing of Marlborough design on both fabric and wallpaper. Fermoie’s wallpaper is created in-house, with each design meticulously recreating the companion fabric.
Her Royal Highness also saw lampshades being handmade from Fermoie fabric.
Fermoie was established in 2010 by Farrow & Ball founders Tom Helme and Martin Ephson. The firm now employs over 50 people at its Marlborough design studio, production facility and showroom. Martin Ephson, co-founder of Fermoie, said: “It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to Fermoie and to share with her the artistry, creativity, and technical expertise that go into every one of our designs.
“We are immensely proud of our team, whose exceptional skill and dedication bring our hand-drawn artwork, distinctive colours, and beautiful fabrics – and now wallpapers, to life.
“Manufactured entirely in-house here in the UK, our collections have found such a receptive audience around the world. “We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to UKFT for their invaluable support in making this memorable visit possible.”
The Princess has been the President of UKFT for more than 35 years and during that time has been a passionate supporter of the UK fashion and textile industry and a champion of the innovative, skilled and creative individuals and companies within it.
Fermoie received the King’s Award for Enterprise (International Trade) in 2024.
Pictured: HRH with Martin Ephson and Caroline Mensing, production supervisor/trainer) observing the cutting of lampshade fabric. Image courtesy of Ben Phillips Photography
