Robert Keyte

A VERY BRITISH TIE

Mr Robert Keyte, with over 30 years of experience in the silk and textile industry, founded Robert Keyte Silks in 1999. His family, however, have been producing high quality Men’s Neckwear and Accessories since 1936. Their mill in Manchester is the only surviving mill that continues to dye silks using tradition Ancient Madder techniques, and…ssshhhh they continue to provide these silks to some of the best-known brands in the world (but keep that to yourself).

The Robert Keyte  portfolio features the Classical English look, also known as Macclesfield Neats, as well as Ancient Madder prints, along with more contemporary designs recently added to meet changing customer demands. 

The mill in Macclesfield, the traditional home of the English silk industry, is one of the only remaining producers of Madder silks and one of the few surviving printers using the dye and discharge method of printing. The silks are hand screen printed using these methods on to Pure Silk Twills from 36oz up to a luxurious 50oz silk Woven silks are produced in the same mill on traditional Jacquard looms using our unique pure mulberry 8 ply silk. We are the only mill offering purely non weighted silk.

Everything that bears the Robert Keyte name is 100% made in England and his Macclesfield mill is the only remaining producer of real Ancient Madders and one of the few surviving printers capable of the dye and discharge method of printing.  If you unfamiliar, "ancient madder printing", is the age-old process involves printing a pattern on the silk, which is then dipped into dye. As the pattern is resistant to the dye, it is left only on the area without the print. The result is deep color with a soft hand and dusty, matte finish. 

Both printed and woven silk fabrics are produced in Macclesfield, the ties are made completely by hand, literally — using scissors, needles and thread  in the picturesque village of Bodiam in East Sussex, overlooking the famous castle and the Rother Valley steam railway. Maker has curated a selection from  their range of exquisite ties and elegant pocket squares made from Macclesfield silk.