Velvet for Queen's barge created by Burnley firm (From This Is Lancashire)

Velvet for Queen's barge created by Burnley firm

11:50am Friday 1st June 2012 in News

WHEN The Queen sails down the River Thames this Sunday to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, a little bit of East Lancashire will be keeping her company.

British Velvets Ltd has been chosen to provide hundreds of metres of material which has been used on the Royal barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, and its seven-mile long, 1,000-strong flotilla.

The company, based in Rossendale Road Industrial Estate, Burnley, was founded in 1932 and settled in its current home last October after spells in Accrington and Padiham.

General manager Keith Prytharch said it was an honour to be involved in the big occaision.

He said: “We are the sole remaining velvet weaving mill in the UK and are proud to be among the suppliers contributing to the much-anticipated Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“British Velvets have been going even longer than this Queen has been on the throne, yet this is our first opportunity to be involved in such a prestigious event.”

Keith believes British Velvets’ success can be attributed to their modern approach to business, vibrant ranges and the dedication of his 18 staff.

Artist Ann Carrington has decorated a 10ft square flag of the team’s velvet, which will be draped over the stern of the royal barge, with more than half a million gold coloured buttons.

Vessels in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant will muster between Chiswick and Putney on Sunday morning and set off around noon.

The Royal party will depart from Chelsea Pier at approximately 3pm, and is expected to finish at Tower Bridge at 6pm.