Source from Blinds and Shutters Magazine

Edited by Jenny Yan

Specialist wholesaler of blind fabric, Dutton & Gavin, has launched its new range of vertical and roller blind fabrics – The DG4 Collection

The company has also taken the opportunity to re-design its overall corporate identity to create a more modern appeal. From now on all UK sales will be presented as Dutton & Gavin Textiles whereas in the past John King & Son was the trading name in Scotland.

John King will now become the holding company and from December 2007, Dutton & Gavin became the single trade name. Director Lewis Pate explained: “This is a significant move for us, given the history of John King & Son in the UK, but will significantly help us to market ourselves and compete in a much more single-minded way.”

Indeed it is a most interesting history. John King was formed in 1775 in Glasgow, originally an importer of rum. However, this changed over the years and it began to export Scottish Holland window blind material around the world. “We have cursed the decision taken years ago as it would have been much more interesting to now be surrounded by barrels of drink than rolls of fabric but that’s the way it is,” said Lewis. Many factors turned against John King’s export trade in the 1960s and at that point the Pate family decided to purchase the established business Dutton & Gavin to import fabric and sell to the UK market. According to the company: “The situation was then as it is now with a lack of quality British fabric production.” 

“We last updated our range in 2003,” said Lewis. “Things have developed considerably in that time and the new range represents a radical development and in some cases, departure from our last collection. We are known traditionally for selling plain fabrics and we have maintained what we believe is an exceptional range of plain colours which we have combined with textures and prints to diversify the range. The new collection was motivated by a consistent demand for new and innovative fabrics and we are very confident that our customers will find the collection refreshing, exciting and stimulating for their customers.” 

Amongst the developments in the fabrics, which have been sourced almost entirely from Europe and USA, are extensions of the tone-in-tone blackout fabric to 41 colours which includes a suede blackout fabric and more emphasis on wide translucent and blackout fabrics in widths up to 250cm. In between are new textured materials and a very competitively priced range of PVC laminated blackout F/R. The Natte Sunscreen range has been increased to include a 3 per cent openess fabric ideal for VDU screen applications. All fabrics can be purchased in rolls or cut lengths with a one metre minimum quantity. 

Dutton & Gavin remains in the hands of the Pate family and is proud of its tradition. The Scotland office is run by Lewis and his father Tom, the London office by cousins John and Jill. It believes it is the only company which supplies the blinds industry that holds a Royal Warrant. The Pate’s clearly recognise however that the blind fabric market is increasingly competitive especially for the specialist wholesaler.  “It is vital that we retain strong levels of service and we believe that the new collection and new identity will strengthen our position and provide a more focused range for our customers.” added Lewis Pate.