| Individual or organisational biography | The Women's Home Industries [WHI] (also known as Beatrice Bellini Handknits) was a non profit initiative started in 1947 by the Dowager Marchioness of Reading, Chairman of the Women's Voluntary Service, with the full support of the Board of Trade, to enable women to contribute to the export drive. Materials were given free to the 4,000 home workers and the finished garments bought at an agreed price and exported primarily to the USA and Canada. The garments were sold through stores like Nieman Marcus in Dallas and Sakowitz in Houston. Both Schiaparelli and Dior sold garments knitted expressly for them and Norman Hartnell used WHI garments in his Spring Collection 1951. Private customers included Princess Margaret, Mrs Dean Acheson, Mrs Roosevelt, Mrs Walter Gifford, wife of the American Ambassador, Mrs Danny Kaye and Lauren Bacall. By 1952 the head of the organisation was Mrs Beatrice Bellini who employed 5,000 knitters. WHI had a reputation for traditional skills combined with fashion technique. Since 1947 the garments became lighter and finer and the patterns more delicate for the centrally heated houses of the American market. The wools used were mainly the finest one and two ply and garments varied from jackets and skirts to dinner dresses and evening blouses. The WHI Tapestry shop at 85 Pimlico Road closed in 2005 on the expiration of its lease and now operates from 46 St Mary's Grove, London. |
| Custodial History | Collection handed over to the London College of Fashion on the closure of the WHI Tapestry shop at 85 Pimlico Road, London. |