Richard Humphries and the Blue Mermaid
Sea-Change Sailing Trust is a local Charity at Maldon in Essex who offer residential opportunities for young people and vulnerable adults to learn and develop in a unique environment. By living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel they participate in a wide range of life skills and are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their contribution and group decisions.
Humphries Weaving were first contacted by Sea-Change Sailing Trust at the outset of commissioning of their new steel Thames sailing barge, Blue Mermaid. Richard Humphries took a keen interesting in advising on and helping source, Sail Cloth which is a heavy flax weave. Through Richard’s role as past Upper Bailiff of the Worshipful Company of Weavers he was able to support Sea-Change in their application for charitable funds from the Livery. The application was successful and the Worshipful Company of Weavers were able to fund new sails and rigging for the barge.
Although we think our Silk Damask would have made a stunning addition, a more robust interior was required for the rough and tumble of life on the water as a working barge. Richard is well known both locally and in the industry for his animated talks about his life in silk and the fabrics of Humphries Weaving. Richard has always donated his speakers fee to a charitable cause of his choice, raising many thousands of pounds over the years. In 2018 these charitable proceeds were donated to Sea-Change Sailing Trust to fund the interior fabric of the Blue Mermaid.
The commissioning of the new barge will take place in July 2019 and we look forward to sharing pictures of Richard aboard.
- Humphries Weaving is a leading British manufacturer of custom Jacquard fabrics proudly based in Sudbury, Suffolk. We believe in design excellence and integrity above all else and use our extensive knowledge, unique archive, and technical skill to produce beautiful and interesting fabrics for the world’s most prestigious clients. For more information visit; www.humphriesweaving.co.uk
- Sea-Change Sailing trust is a charity at Maldon in Essex who offer residential opportunities for young people and vulnerable adults to learn and develop in a unique environment. By living and working together aboard a traditional sailing vessel they participate in a wide range of life skills and are encouraged to take increasing responsibility for their contribution and group decisions. For more information visit; www.seachangesailingtrust.org.uk
