The Spencer Shirt

The versatile Spencer Shirt, made from a woven blue organic cotton, is a favourite addition to any wardrobe.

It was our own hunt for a shirt we loved that started our foray into shirt-making. We just couldn't find one that encompassed all the features we loved... so we set about creating it ourselves.

Our shirts are directly inspired by patterns dating back to the 1930s. We have sought the very best cottons to offer four unique options for your wardrobe. They combine our passion for authenticity with our drive to creating a versatile garment that is made to last. All Made in England.

A few details that we love about our shirts...

• The single cuff, with double button - a very period feature, since lost in modern shirt designs. This allows the wearer two options with just one shirt.
• Our shirt arms are also a little longer, to allow for the billowed look often seen in period shirts at the time - it means you enjoy a good bit of cuff when worn under a suit jacket.
• We love the authentic 'fisheye' buttons we have opted for. Not only because they are made in England and about as authentic as they get, they are made entirely from Corozo and thus natural & biodegradable.
• Our shirt collars are directly inspired by British shirt collars of the 1930s. After many years of research and collecting collar after collar, shirt after shirt, we chose an understated and authentic 'spearpoint', most often seen in 1930s Britain. Unlike the overly long 'spearpoint' collars, our style is by far the most versatile collar we have come across. Easily worn with a tie, it can be worn with or without collar pin. Or it can be worn without a tie also, buttoned up, or open, with or without a neckerchief. Our shirts truly offer a formal as well as informal option for any ensemble.

We'll be writing a little more on the history of the 'spearpoint' collar and its various incarnations for The Biggs Journal soon.

• The half fronted placet really adds the final touch and allows us to offer extra long shirt tails, allowing you to remain 'tucked in' at all times, regardless of what you get up to.

The Spencer Shirt takes is named after Frederick Parkes Spencer, a Police Fireman from Sheffield who died while on duty during the night of 12/13th December 1940. That evening, The Empire Theatre was hosting the famous Henry Hall and his Band, for that evenings entertainment. Shortly after 7pm, the sirens wailed notifiying the city of an airraid. So ferocious was this particular raid, fire services from cities as far away as Birmingham and Manchester were called in to assist the local fire-fighting services.

The Empire Theatre was one of the buildings to receive a direct hit, with many inside. After a long night firefighting, and despite the threat to his own life, Fred Spencer, ignored the advise of others and together with auxiliary fireman Stanley Slack, went into the Empire Theatre to see if they could assist any persons still inside. It was at this moment that the Theatre collapsed, with Fred, Stanley Biggs and many others inside.

We realise there are thousands more stories similar to Fred's, just as significant and important. If you have a family story you wish to share, please feel free to contact us via email. We would love to hear from you.