Although not offering a formal apprenticeship Richard’s connection to the Worshipful Company of Weavers, its textile committee and entry to work scheme gave Richard the opportunity to take on Woven Textile Design graduates from the top universities. This experience of warping, handweaving and design is the perfect grounding for learning the specialism of historic fabric reproduction and designing bespoke contemporary fabrics from scratch.  Through this decade Richard trained three graduates, of which Natalie Mumford is now director.  

Expertise in custom colour development and bespoke dyed projects continued alongside expanding capabilities in creating special fabrics from an extensive range of stocked yarns continued to see private projects for decorators and renowned brands thrive. Alongside historic recreation projects for Dumfries House, Northumberland Estates, St Giles House, Brighton Pavilion and Hillsborough castle, Humphries Weaving modernised its branding and was an early adaptor of social media.    

In 2018 they were honoured to receive a Royal Visit from HRH The Princess Royal in her capacity as the President of UK Fashion & Textiles Association (UKFT). During her 35 year tenure she has been a passionate supporter of the UK fashion and textile industry and a great champion of the innovative, skilled and creative individuals and companies within it.

Shortly afterwards Humphries Weaving supported a National Lottery funded project to document video, oral and written histories about the weaving history of Sudbury, the companies along with the lives and stories of the people who build their careers in the industry. The project includes recorded interviews with Richard Humphries, Natalie Mumford and Brian Turner (Retired). https://www.sudburysilkstories.org/about