William Ernest Woods - The humble tea towel

In 1895, when William Ernest Woods opened his shop his aim was to build a reputation for selling only the finest quality household linens available. Whether it’s sheets, blankets, dusters or floor clothes Harrogate shops only carry the best. If he can not find a project to meet its stringent standards, he would find an another manufacturer.

Even the humble tea towel had to be worthy of his label. After trying several kitchen tea towels which he was not happy with the quality and performance of, he traveled to Ireland to find a manufacturer to make a linen dishcloth to his own specification. It had to keep its whiteness, and be highly absorbent and long lasting. Finally satisfied that everything necessary had been done, he ordered an initial amount and that the was the beginning of the popular dishtowel.

In short order, customers realized just what fine quality their linen dishcloth was, and it quickly became a must have item in many homes all over Yorkshire. This year marks its 100th anniversary, and nowadays thousands of them are sold to repeat customers both nationally and internationally. They are sent all over the world to customers who cannot find anything to compare with the discloth qualities.

They have a dishcloth that is much more absorbent than cotten, it makes it easier to clean spills and keep counters dry and smusge free. This item can be laundered, as needed, even at high water temperatures, and will maintain its quality even for several months, without forfeiting its fine white sheen. For generations, thousands of satisfied customers across the globe have used these fine linen dishcloths. For the first time, reveal the hidden benefits of the unsurpassed dishcloth that has been around for a hundred years.

These vintage tea towels, made from 100% cotton, are trimmed with white cotton lace and branded ribbon loop and are machine washable. You will never want to use anything else, and you won’t be disappointed!