HERITAGE & HISTORY

An illustrious heritage spanning over 117 years.
Originally a tailor shop in the heart of Leicester, Grahame Gardner has grown into one of the UK's largest uniform providers. From our humble beginnings providing school blouses to becoming a firm favourite of the healthcare industry, find out more about our journey below.

Grahame Gardner Ltd grew from the humble beginnings of a tailor's shop in Leicester in 1906 when Mr James Gardner Grahame was approached by the headmistress of a local school with a view to the company manufacturing blouses for her girls. From the successful completion of this order the reputation of Grahame Gardner Ltd grew, and soon they were supplying most of the Independent Schools throughout the City. In addition to supplying daywear for pupils, the company was selected to provide sportswear and Mr Grahame developed one of the most enduring sporting garments of the past century - the pleated gym skirt. In 1936 the company split into two - with Horncastle based Gymphlex Ltd taking care of the sportswear side of the business and Grahame Gardner focusing on Workwear. Over the years, Grahame Gardner became a firm favourite of the Healthcare industry - supplying hospitals, departments and healthcare associations with stock and bespoke ranges of Workwear. Due to their attention to detail their name become synonymous with quality - a reputation which exists to this day.

Over their illustrious 117 year history Grahame Gardner Ltd have been responsible for clothing hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, from anaesthetists right through to x-ray departments. Grahame Gardner Ltd have remained at the forefront of innovation and introduced technologically advanced garments and fabrics to their clients. The launch of Vitality, The Designerwear Collection heralded the beginning of their entry into the world of more fashion orientated Workwear. Vitality was developed specifically for an industry which demands style, showcasing exclusive and prestigious styles and becoming a preferred supplier for beauty therapists and salons around the UK. With such an illustrious history behind them, Grahame Gardner has the experience, understanding and creativity to ensure they remain one the UK's most respected uniform suppliers in the future.

Our History

1858: BEFORE IT ALL BEGAN

OUR HISTORY

Greenlees & Sons (Easiephit) footwear Ltd founded by Mr James Greenlees. 300 retail shops.

WORLD NEWS

First use of fingerprints as a means of identification is made by Sir William James Herschel of the Indian Civil Service.

1906: THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL

OUR HISTORY

Grahames Schoolwear is founded by James Gardner Grahame and James Greenlees on London Road, Leicester, supplying daywear and Gymphlex PE clothing to local schools. This was the start of a British Sportswear Manufacturing Institution.

WORLD NEWS

Finland in the First European country to give women the vote.

1930: SUPPLYING THE SCOTLAND RUGBY TEAM

OUR HISTORY

The Scotland rugby team choose us as their official kit supplier. Pictured here the Scottish rugby team have a team photo at Twickenham following a successful year, with the founders son, Harry Greenlees, playing at flyhalf.

WORLD NEWS

"Mickey Mouse comic strip 1st appears.

1933: GYMPHLEX APPEARS AT WIMBLEDON

OUR HISTORY

Bobby Meredith, England Tennis Captain chooses Gymphlex.

WORLD NEWS

1st solo flight round the world 7d 19hrs (Wiley Post).

1936: GRAHAME GARDNER AND GYMPHLEX BECOME SISTER COMPANIES

OUR HISTORY

Grahame Gardner and Gymphlex divide to become 2 separate companies. Prior to this the Gymphlex product lines were manufactured and sold under the Grahame Gardner brand.

WORLD NEWS

Jesse Owens wins 4 Gold medals at the 1936 Olympics.

1940: WAR TIME EFFORTS

OUR HISTORY

100 outdoor workers used to produce war requirements.

WORLD NEWS

Churchill was appointed Prime Minister and formed an all-party coalition government.

1947: THE BRITISH SWIMMING ASSOCIATION TURN TO US

OUR HISTORY

The British Swimming team choose Grahame Gardner for the Monte Carlo championships. Great Britain came 5th in the medal table winning 1 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.

WORLD NEWS

Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth marries the Duke of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey, London.

1950: GRAHAME GARDNER APPEARS AT THE FA CUP FINAL FOR THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING - WEMBLEY

OUR HISTORY

Grahame Gardner supplied the training suits at the FA cup final at Wembley. The match was contested between Arsenal and Liverpool, where Arsenal went on to win the match 2-0 courtesy of two goals by Reg Lewis.

WORLD NEWS

First TV remote control, Zenith Radio's Lazy Bones is marketed.

1953: GRAHAME GARDNER PROVIDES UNIFORMS FOR THE RAF ROYAL TOURNAMENT

OUR HISTORY

Grahame Gardner provide sportswear to the Military tattoo and the Royal Tournament London.

WORLD NEWS

The first colour television sets go on sale for about $1,175 in the US.

2003: THE START OF A NEW ERA

OUR HISTORY

James Greenless our current Managing Director and the founders great grandson becomes a Director,

WORLD NEWS

Apple launches ITunes which becomes a major success selling 10 million songs within 4 months of launch.

2006: GRAHAM GARDNER CELEBRATES 100 YEARS

OUR HISTORY

2006 marks an auspicious celebration for Grahame Gardner. It's 100 years since we were founded and began this long and successful journey.

WORLD NEWS

Google purchases YouTube for US$1.65 billion in stock.

2014: A NEW ERA FOR GYMPHLEX AND GRAHAME GARDNER

OUR HISTORY

After over 70 years at Stamford Street Leicester, Gymphlex and Grahame Gardner relocate to Woodside House, 218 London Road, Leicester.

WORLD NEWS

Scotland voted no to independence with 55% of the vote and chose not to break up the relationship which has been established since 1707.

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