James Locke (draper)

James Locke (c. 1800 - 5 February 1867) was a Scottish-born 19th Century London draper who is attributed with the creating the name Tweed for the rough woollen cloth, which he was largely responsible for popularising amongst fashionable Victorian society.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were customers of Locke,[2] ensuring a thriving business which meant that he found it necessary to keep a large stock of Scotch woollen goods.

Locke is credited with creating mixtures of colour in Tweed, which he designed to blend in with the rural Scottish landscape,[2] making the material ideal for shooting jackets, providing both warmth and camouflage.

[3][4] In common with many successful Victorians, Locke was a supporter of various philanthropic causes, including being on the committees of the Ragged School Union[5] and the Scottish Hospital Charity.

[1][8] He died at his home in Addison Road, Kensington on the 5th February 1867 and is buried in a family grave on the west side of Highgate Cemetery with his wife Catherine, eldest son John and daughter Elizabeth (Lizzie).