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Long John’s Jay Bird

Edited by DerwentWISE | Added on 18th February 2019

John Smedley’s trademark Jay references the founder’s name ‘John’. It sits on an S shaped branch representing ‘Smedley’. Today you’ll still see the distinctive colours of John Smedley’s Jay insignia on the factory’s footbridge over Lea Road.

The Smedley family joined the move in the Derwent Valley towards the production of finished garments, rather than just fabric and thread. The Jay became a reliable symbol of luxury underwear, and ‘Long John’s’ undoubtedly originate from these factories. The industrial revolution marked the start of the growth of branding. Think about the brands you wear today- they are often more than just a mark of ownership and quality: what do they say about your identity?

The company turned to making stylish outerwear in the 1930s. It now exports to over 26 countries world-wide and is famous for using natural, luxury fibres. Colour, craftsmanship, design, and above all quality are key to having gained the Royal Warrant. Still a family-owned company, it is one of just a handful of manufacturers based entirely in the UK and at the forefront of British Fashion.

Chosen in 1876, the jay logo is now used by the John Smedley Archive Charitable Trust. Look out for the eye-catching jay as you follow the track through the woods to Aqueduct Cottage.

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Connections in the Landscape

You can experience Long John’s Jay Bird out in the Peak District or Derbyshire by visiting the location marked on the map below, or find it with the help of the Pocket Wonders app.

Connections to other Wonders

Long John’s Jay Bird is closely related to other Wonders in the collection.

For the next chapter in the story, continue on to the Wonder below:

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