Brand intelligence
Barbour
Barbour is the British outerwear and lifestyle company founded in South Shields in 1894 by John Barbour. Best known for waxed cotton jackets, it has grown into a family-owned wardrobe spanning men’s, women’s, childrenswear, footwear, accessories and dog products, while repair and rewaxing remain central to its product life cycle. Dame Margaret Barbour joined the board after her husband’s death, became Chairman in 1973 and designed the Bedale and Beaufort jackets. The page preserves her intertwined product and business role rather than labelling her simply a creative director. Barbour International is a distinct brand identity within the broader company; neither its cultural visibility nor the parent business’s private status supports an unverified revenue or valuation claim.
- Country
- UK
- Founded
- 1894
- Founder
- John Barbour
- Ownership
- Barbour family
- Documented milestones
- 6
- John Barbour — Founder1894–1918 · business · former · Barbour
- Dame Margaret Barbour — Chairman and Product Designer1973–Present · outerwear · current · Barbour
- 1894 — Business foundedJohn Barbour begins supplying protective clothing in South Shields.
- 1908 — Mail-order catalogueMalcolm Barbour produces the first catalogue.
- 1936 — International suitDuncan Barbour introduces a motorcycle suit for the ISDT.
- 1973 — Margaret becomes chairmanMargaret Barbour takes leadership of the family company.
- 1980 — Bedale introducedMargaret Barbour designs the short equestrian wax jacket.
- 1983 — Beaufort introducedThe Beaufort enters the collection.