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Being
called up for National Service from 1955 through to 1958, wasn’t part of
Bryan’s grand plan, but he was able to continue his apprenticeship with
Kilgour French and Stanbury on completion of his three-year’s service.
His
next big break in tailoring circles came when he landed a Trainee Cutter
position with the official tailor to Eton College – Welsh and Jeffries, in
1959. The following year, he took up the same position with Kilgour French
and Stanbury.
After
spending four years mastering his trade, Bryan officially started working
for himself as a bespoke Savile Row tailor. 1967 saw the start of a
three-year tailoring partnership with his brothers, but when they both
left for various reasons three years later, Bryan continued the business
on his own.
Bryan opened his first shop in 1970
Upon
opening his first shop in St. Christopher’s Place, London W1, Bryan began
to establish a regular clientele, many of whom are still customers today.
Based on the success of his shop and, the many overseas customers he had
accrued, Bryan decided to start making regular trips to the USA to see
clients. Business was booming and there was more work than any one man
could handle!
So,
in 1978, Bryan decided to partner up with Leslie Morris to start a company
called Manning Morris and Stone in James Street, W1. Unfortunately in
1981, Mr Morris retired and Mr Stone passed away, so Bryan moved his
business to 2 Savile Row but continued with the company name for a further
three years.
Bryan Manning was awarded an Emmy in 1985
Reverting to the business name Bryan Manning back in 1984, he began work
on the costume design for TV series “Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story” for which
he was awarded an Emmy in 1985. Responsible for the making of Richard
Chamberlain’s wardrobe, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for “best
performance by an actor in a mini-series or motion picture made for TV”
for the same series, Bryan undertook an awesome task. About thirty suits,
four overcoats and additional jackets and trousers were to be made in an
almost impossible time frame.
Bryan
was flown to Hollywood to measure Richard Chamberlain at his home and
then, working from drawings by well-known Hollywood designer Tommy Welsh,
together with access to original photos, Bryan was able to produce the
styles of the times. Richard Chamberlain arrived in London with a superbly
cut, handmade period wardrobe ready for his departure to Hungary where the
TV series was shot.
Bryan
with his EMMY - awarded in 1985 for “Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story”
In
1986, Bryan moved to Maddox Street, on the Corner of Bond Street, still in
the renowned tailoring area of London W1. After a few years it became
obvious that in the face of the inconvenience caused by wheel clamping and
ever stricter parking policy a new higher level of service to clients was
needed. This took the form of becoming a visiting tailor, if clients found
it hard getting to the tailor, the tailor would go to them. Bryan closed
the Maddox Street showroom and arranged serviced showroom facilities back
in Savile Row. This allowed him to either see clients there, or at their
offices.
Bryan Manning becomes Manning & Manning
In
1997 he was joined by his son Timothy who immediately became very active
within the firm. He introduced IT and new business methodologies to the
business and recognised the value of the Internet for identifying both new
clients as well as new systems. Tim developed the website and was
instrumental in introducing high technology solutions to meet the growing
crisis of years of diminishing numbers of young people studying the trade.
Between them they have introduced many innovations in the making processes
while maintaining the quality that make Savile Row suit so famous.
Many
clients have already taken delivery of suits that have benefited from
these innovations and have been delighted with the craftsmanship. As each
item is hand-sewn as is traditional for a Savile Row suit, each is
individual and unique.
September 2003 will see the start of what Bryan and Tim hope will be many
Manning & Manning franchise operations around the country, with the chosen
flagship location of Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
Bryan
looks to the future with the same determination that has made him the
success he is today and with the life-long dream that has finally come to
fruition unfolding before him, with his son Tim, working with him to carry
on the dream. |
