The History
Just after the second world war, the owner of a Keighley Curtain weaving firm refused to sell curtain lengths to his workforce. Wishing to brighten their homes they resorted to stealing the cloth and soon many houses displayed new curtains. To control the situation and with the blessing of the owner, the mill manager Norman Petyt bought full rolls of the fabrics and then sold cut lengths to the employees.
Norman set up shop in the cellar of his home, eventually moving via a series of small shops and market stalls into dress fabrics , haberdashery and men's suitings. In 1952 he had also started his own weaving business .After training at Bradford University his son David joined him and together they continued to build a thriving company until in 1975, a combination of Global economics and a series of bad debts
Ian, retained Roselea Textiles, a portion of the manufacturing business and David took the retail portion, opening a shop in Hanover Street. When the adjacent hairdressers came on the market, David opened a high fashion shop which lasted about two years.
But in June 1990, David's wife Carolyn became a partner, both shops were refitted , the name changed to "David Petyt" and the Hire department expanded. David and Carolyn have not looked back since. This business now concentrates on quality menswear for the 35-65
age group, David and Carolyn retired in 2005 and the business is now owned by
the Patel Family. Hire wear and corporate wear.
