Wiveliscombe, a quaint town in Somerset, is an unexpected home for tartan, a fabric traditionally associated with the Scottish Highlands. Thanks to the creative ingenuity of a mother-daughter duo running a local shop, the town now boasts its very own tartan that beautifully reflects its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscape.
Kerry Molfesis and her daughter Loula are the proud owners of Secret Island, an eco-friendly shop showcasing local art and hand-crafted products. The idea to create a Wiveliscombe tartan came to them as they witnessed the strong sense of community and mutual support among the town’s residents.
Kerry recounted, “Listening to the heartwarming stories of people in Wiveliscombe, I couldn’t help but notice the close-knit nature of the community. It struck me that Wiveliscombe is like a clan, weaving together like the threads on a loom. That’s when I thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if Wivey had its own tartan?”
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Her connection to the area dates back to 1976 when her father, en route from Devon, stumbled upon Wiveliscombe after getting lost in thick fog. Captivated by the warmth of the White Hart, he found himself purchasing a house on a whim, leading to their relocation from Africa to this charming town.
Embracing her love for the region, Kerry, along with Loula, envisioned repurposing the long-vacant Nat West Bank building into a hub for local art and hand-crafted goods. Inspired by the abundant local talent, they set out to design a tartan representing the “Clan and the People of Wiveliscombe”.
After garnering feedback from their Facebook followers to determine the tartan’s colors, the response exceeded their expectations, with nearly 1,000 individuals participating in the voting process. The final selection comprised sky blue, bottle green, yellow, and dark red, with each hue symbolizing a distinct aspect of the town’s identity, from the beloved Wivey Swimming Pool to the rolling hills and local breweries.
Employing “Alan,” an antique loom, and “Matilda,” a sock machine, Kerry and Loula commenced the production of the Wiveliscombe tartan, utilizing carefully sourced British wool. The intricate process involved weaving, fulling, and thorough drying, culminating in the creation of scarves, shawls, diaries, and key fobs, with numerous additional items in the pipeline.
Seeking to ensure that the tartan remains an asset for the people of Wiveliscombe, Kerry emphasized her intention to register it with the Tartan Authority, thereby safeguarding its exclusivity and association with the town. Her ultimate goal is for the tartan to be accessible to all, allowing individuals to incorporate it into their own creations, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to Wiveliscombe.
The Wiveliscombe tartan has resonated deeply with customers, who view it as a means of honoring their ties to the town and its community. It serves as a cherished reminder of home for those living afar and a symbol of pride for local residents.
Kerry and Loula take pride in their role in shaping the town’s identity and cultural heritage, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support they have received from fellow artisans and townspeople. Through their dedication, they have contributed to the fabric of Wiveliscombe’s story, weaving a vibrant tapestry of tradition and belonging.