Where traditional and contemporary mix

Earthed by William Clark brings traditional fabric and contemporary  printed designs together. The quality of the fabric William Clark produce has been honed over three centuries, with knowledge of textile processing passing down through generations still in play in the factory today. This internal knowledge is key in preparing these beautiful base fabrics for print and also in finishing them with a highly desirable handle. When you buy a fabric or product from us – you’re buying a little part of Irish textile history too.

A Long History Of Fabrics

William Clark have been producing fabrics since 1736. Nearly three centuries ago, an enterprising man called Jackson Clark rode out to the place we now call Upperlands in Ulster and spotted a dark, narrow stretch of river, babbling as it cascaded over the stones.

With his craftsman’s eye, he realized it was a perfect location for a waterwheel that would drive a simple device called a beetling engine. In doing so, he revolutionised the finishing of linen fabric forever.

With this machine, linen fabric was given a wonderful sheen through hours of pounding with vertical wooden blocks, until it was ready for demanding buyers in London, Dublin and the New World.

Over the following century, younger generations of Upperlands textile-masters adapted their know-how to the full range of natural and synthetic fibres, including cotton and linen fabric, finding markets and partners in every corner of the world.

Today, the flame lit by the Clark pioneers is still burning bright, Earthed our latest spark of innovation.