Gaolhouse Denim is the result of a fascinating 2012 collaboration to make jeans between Will Unwin and Her Majesty’s Royal Prison Service. [Sadly Gaolhouse has ceased business since this piece was written].
Inspired by a business model put into practice by his father, Will approached the prison service in 2011 with the idea of working with inmates to design and develop jeans to be manufactured in prison, where there are significant manufacturing resources. The idea was that this would create paid and rehabilitating jobs for the inmates and provide them skills and a work ethic.
Working very closely with inmates the first jeans style, known as the GH-001, was developed. After two years of work, however, there was a ministerial change of heart and the programme to manufacture the jeans within the prison service was cancelled. Not wanting to give up, Will was able to find a UK manufacturer in that could support the first production and help finish off the incredible job that had been started by inmates.
Gaolhouse Denim is only one of a handful of companies that manufacture jeans on British soil, a vital part of Will’s vision. The raw denim is from North Carolina, USA. A contribution to charity is made from the proceeds of sale of each pair of jeans.
To buy a pair from the limited first run and to find out more, go to the Gaolhouse Denim website [link removed].
 |
| Remember raw denim does best from minimal washing. This pocket detail shows when first wash due. |
