Edward Sambrook: Menswear Tailoring and Accessories

My favourite aspect of Instagram is meeting people with fascinating lives and careers. One such is Edward (Bertie) Sambrook, a dapper gentleman in his late fifties with a background in tailoring who has recently opened his own Sambrook store in Barnstaple (links below).

Bertie Sambrook in his store with some of his hand-made ties

After a career in the British and Kenyan armies he underwent a tailoring course and worked as a tailor until 2015 when he decided to open his shop. Sambrook told me more:

"Mother taught all of her 5 children to sew and I made some of my own clothes from about eight years old. Whilst serving I continued to design and make "fashion" clothes; mostly for small retailers on a sale or return basis.

On returning to UK from Kenya in 1986 I did a 12 week basic tailoring course in Hackney with a small tailoring business. At the end of the course the owner offered me a job. For the next two years I worked seven day weeks and fourteen hour days for almost no money! The last three hours of every day was tuition from David (the owner & master tailor). I became self employed and got my first commission as a tailor in 1990. I then worked as a tailor in several countries (itchy feet) until I decided to retire in 2015.

My lifelong passion for clothes and the pursuit of global style have given me a good living over the years but retirement didn't suit me so I started "House of Sambrook" a small company that provides style advice, handmade accessories and neckwear. All of my products are made in the UK by artisan craftspeople.

So far (like my tailoring business) all of my customers are referred to me by existing clients but I have now opened the first "Sambrook Essentials" shop in Barnstaple. There will be a corresponding website and mail order of course.

I have a two tier label system: Red label products are made for me by selected craftspeople. Black label products are made exclusively by me.

I firmly believe that fashion is an imposition and style is the response. Most of the advice I give to my clients is based on finding expression through colour, shape, texture and patterns whilst choosing clothing that suits their lifestyle and makes them feel good".

Sambrook now offers a full bespoke service using Fox Brothers fabrics and a bespoke shirt service through a third party shirt maker. Contact through House of Sambrook. Telephone  +44 (0)1271 373446.

You can also follow Bertie Sambrook on Instagram