Why choose Irish Linen
Refined Over Generations
Heritage and Expertise
Thomas Ferguson is synonymous with high quality linen and is widely acknowledged as the finest linen Jacquard weaver in the world. This reputation for quality developed through many generations of dedication and skill owes much to the Company's rich heritage. Founded in 1854 by Thomas Ferguson, an already established linen weaver, the Company has woven Irish Linen for over 160 years.
This weaving expertise combined with fine, high quality yarns, and modern looms produce a linen damask cloth which is unusually soft and fine, has a wonderful natural lustre and yet is strong enough to last a lifetime with normal domestic use.
Irish linen may no longer be a widespread everyday household product, like it was up until the early 20th century. However, over the centuries our linens were refined and distilled, and most of the coarser, commodity linens were discontinued, so that we are left with only the best, refined over generations to delight our modern-day customers.
The strength and confidence in the brand is still evident by the number of fakes and people who try to use the Irish linen brand for linens made in low cost countries.
The connoisseur knows Thomas Ferguson linens are facets of a good life, and deserve attention.
Fabric of Choice
When you take ownership of a piece of Thomas Ferguson's linen you are not just getting a product but a whole experience.
On top of this Irish linen is now a very rare commodity, because there are so few weavers in Ireland still producing it.
Consumers throughout the world buy Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen because they cherish the way it looks, feels and performs, and they know that we match, no compromise quality, with pices that aren't beyond people's reach.
Our customers also know if they need a custom size or special design we will do our best to accommodate, even relatively small numbers.
On top of this Thomas Ferguson linens comes with the world-renowned Irish linen brand which carries enormous brand equity built up over generations, that creates confidence, prestige, and avoids negative surprises.
Thomas Ferguson Irish linen is aware of a growing demand for unique crafted products. This seems in part due to dissatisfaction with the modern emphasis on mass-production, an increasing need by buyers to know the 'green' and sustainability, credentials of what they are buying, and people tiring of today's cultural globalization and homogenization. There is a greater appreciation of products which have been made with passion and care, express individual cultures and heritages, and which means more than simple materialism.
Today, we face the paradox that when there is a concern about the environment. Our natural products are more and more being replaced by synthetic substitutes which in spite of their attractive appearance and functionality carry the difficulty of disposal and long- term damage to our environment. Irish linen is a truly natural, and sustainable, product which starts by growing in a field, and is completely biodegradable and during its processing gives little or no waste materials.
Dining
"Good quality linen can never be termed an extravagance. If one has the means it is always economy to buy the best. Though the initial outlay is bigger, the extra cost is an investment that pays dividends in appearance and wearing qualities"
Thomas Ferguson Irish linen damask has a beautiful drape and lustre which will flatter any dining room. This superb cloth is treasured for a lifetime, enriched with history and is so hard-wearing that in normal household use, it is handed down as an heirloom, and might still be used generations from now.
Due to its sheen and smooth surface, linen releases stains easily. Linen also increases in strength when wet, which is why it stands up to the rough and tumble of repeated laundering so well. It is easily laundered at home and requires no special laundering treatment.
Sleeping
Cool crisp linen bed sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers prized above all others for their naturalness, purity, smoothness, durability, and beauty, and considered by many the healthiest material for sleeping. They are the epitome of coolness and there is nothing to match the way they feel, thanks to linen's temperature-regulating properties. In hot weather, linen absorbs moisture and excess heat, whilst in cool weather it retains body heat. Linen presents a much less fluffy surface, and retains less moisture than cotton. Over time linen becomes softer and evener more comfortable.
Drying & Wiping
Linen breathes, just like skin, it can absorb up to 20% of its own weight in moisture, while still feeling dry to the touch. The perfect pampering product, linen is truly healthy. Linen cannot provoke allergies, it is anti-static and can even help soften and keep the skin at its natural pH balance.
Linen absorbs water better than most fabrics and does not "lint" making it excellent for drying dishes, and glass. Linen is one of the strongest natural fibres known to man and of all the textile fibres is the one which washes best. Linen actually increases about 20% in strength on wetting, giving it greater longevity than, for example cotton. The sails of the clipper ships, such as the Cutty Sark, were made from flax linen! Linen guest towels add luxury and genuine performance to the bathroom.
Health
Pure linen fabrics, made of flax fibres, characterized by a pleasant and cool handle. At high ambient temperatures the physiological properties of linen outclass by far other fibres - in particular taking into account direct contact with the human body. Linen has a very good absorption properties.
Currently, the non-allergic, antibacterial, and antimycotic properties of linen get emphasized more and more often. Even low blends of linen have an advantageous influence on fabrics which are in direct contact with the human body, such as clothing and bedding.
The kind of static electricity that can be built up on our bodies and everyday objects, and the mini-shocks that may result, usually only cause mild discomfort, and have not been shown to have a harmful effect on human health. However, some people do seem particularly sensitive to static shocks, and in such cases the constant anticipation of the shock can contribute to high stress levels.
In some circumstances, static electricity presents a safety risk. Flammable liquid or vapour can get ignited by an electrostatic spark, and this needs to be protected against in certain industries.
Some people produce more electrostatic charge than others, for various reasons including body size, and the materials their clothing and shoes are made of. Clothes made from wool, silk, or synthetics, and plastic-soled shoes can all cause electrostatic charge to build up. Some people simply feel electrostatic shocks more than others.
Linen is one solution to this problem. It minimizes the build up of static electricity, and is not a source of it.
Irish Made Gifts
They say giving a gift is a universal way to show interest, appreciation, and gratitude, as well as strengthen bonds with others.
Better to give than to receive, gift-giving is also an act of altruism — unselfish concern for the well-being of others. When we give without expecting anything in return, we are improving our psychological health.
There is an enormous sense of satisfaction when seeing the expression on the face of someone you’ve given a gift to. In fact, some may even like giving gifts more than receiving them. Especially when some time is invested in considering what to buy; trying to think like our proposed recipient. What might they really like? It’s seldom just the type of gift you’d most want to receive yourself.
Giving a piece of Thomas Ferguson linen is more than just about sustainability, or unique natural properties, or the heritage of Irish woven linen. It is extra special experience, and unique by being custom woven or made to fit special requirements, be that dimensions, colour, or design. Or even more if it is a special gift.
Thomas Ferguson Irish linens are often personalized with woven, or embroidered, family crests, or company logos. Making it suitable for corporate, anniversary, wedding gifts, and more.
"There is no better hiding place for poor quality than behind a cheap price"