Here is our story so far and the ways we are working towards a better future.
Rosy on Sustainability
CEO, Magee 1866
“Magee 1866 has always been about beautiful natural fibre fabrics and tweeds produced in the heart of Donegal. Today we continue to innovate and believe in doing it in a way that's respectful to people and to the planet.”
1. We Work With Natural Materials
Natural fibres are part of our DNA at Magee 1866, our mill has always specialised in weaving wool and linen, as natural fibres they are biodegradable, renewable and durable - all positive attributes towards sustainable practices.
We are located in Donegal in the North West of Ireland and connected to the textile traditions in this area, we have strong relationships with our trusted spinners and dyers on our bespoke developed yarns ensuring consistency and colour continuity.
We use selected fabrics that are woven in our Magee Weaving mill in our Magee 1866 men’s, women’s and home collections. Our Magee 1866 throws and accessories are all made in Donegal.
2. We Value Traceability
We have always had a commitment to exceptional quality fabrics and have woven these values into our business. As we look to the future our attention is turning to traceability and the source of our raw materials. At our Magee Weaving mill we are working on case studies from our Irish wool project led by CEO of Magee Weaving Patrick Temple who has a Cheviot sheep flock being bred for Irish wool. We are also Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified and approved by ZQ Natural Fibres who are an organisation who share our values in the way wool is produced, care about their animals, the land and the people behind it.
Knowing who makes our clothes and where our raw materials come from is essential for guaranteeing high standards. From the Magee 1866 clothing side we are proud to maintain close relationships and visit all our suppliers with our clothing collections being produced in Morocco, Portugal and Turkey with fabrics woven in Donegal. We also partner with We Make Good who produces our table linen collections in Dublin, Ireland. They are an organisation who promote equality, sustainable production and social enterprise as a way of doing business.
3. We Use Renewable Resources
Our mill is situated by the River Eske in Donegal town, which has been our water source for many years and is used for fabric finishing purposes, its peaty waters offers unique qualities to the finish. Post production the water is treated locally and we are looking at ways in which we can integrate water recycling systems within our production process as well as exploring advanced water treatment solutions.
4. We Believe in Slow Fashion
Magee 1866 creates collections designed and woven in Donegal with a selection of Irish made fabrics produced in our mill in Donegal. From Donegal Tweed to Irish linen and handwoven styles our design ethos is guided by timeless silhouettes. Creative Director at Magee 1866 says, “since our beginnings we have always believed in craftsmanship creating collections that are authentic and true to our heritage whilst also fitting into a modern lifestyle.”
5. We Support Community & People
Being a longstanding employer in South West Donegal for the past 150 years, Magee 1866 and Magee Weaving is an intrinsic part of the fabric of the local community and continues to provide employment in highly skilled work in a rural area. We employ 108 people in Ireland across our retail, production and weaving teams and are an equal opportunities employer with the workforce at 50% men and 50% women.
We are involved with and support a number of charities and activities in our local community here in Donegal. Our team participates in charity initiatives raising much-needed funds for our charity partners.
Our People
CEO of Magee Weaving Patrick Temple is chairman of The Donegal Tweed Association, a community of weavers who have come together to protect and promote the unique industry associated with Donegal. Together with Molloy & Sons, Studio Donegal, McNutt of Donegal, Eddie Doherty we are campaigning to preserve the heritage and identity of Donegal tweed with a European PGI status.