Reviving a Barbour Beadnell Liberty; a love affair between two heritage brands...and me.

It was by sheer chance that I stumbled upon a truly extraordinary Barbour Beadnell jacket - and when I say extraordinary, I mean it in the most literal sense. This was no ordinary Beadnell; this was a special edition, the result of a rather fruitful and long lasting collaboration between the esteemed British outerwear brand and the legendary Liberty Fabrics.

Nearly two decades before Barbour was founded, it was the year 1875 in which Arthur Lasenby Liberty introduced the first Liberty fabrics, quickly establishing them as icons of avant-garde textile design. Today, each Liberty fabric is crafted through a meticulous process: hand-drawn by an in-house design team in England, printed in a factory in Italy. Gorgeous! Each and every one of them.

The Barbour Beadnell Liberty right before rewaxing it

The Liberty fabric used for this Barbour Beadnell Liberty consists of a rich aubergine background with a sumptuous display of ochre, crimson, tangerine, sky blue, and ebony blooms, creating a captivating floral tapestry. Eccentric and exotic. This combination with the countryside feel of a Barbour makes for an intriguing love affair and a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship of these two revered British institutions.

But what sets the Barbour Beadnell Liberty apart?

• The waxed cotton outer shell not only provides dependable water resistance but also lends a captivating textural charm.

• The interior boasts the dazzling Liberty London printed lining, sourced directly from their renowned textile archives.

• The relaxed, slightly oversized silhouette exudes a casual elegance, perfect for effortless layering.

• The soft, supple corduroy collar adds a touch of refined comfort, typical for many Barbour jackets.

• Four front pockets, including two bellows pockets and two hand-warming pockets, ensure ample storage for all your daily essentials.

What truly sets these special collaborations apart is their limited availability. Once they're gone, they're gone - the only way to acquire one is through the secondary market, where prices can start to climb (which they are). But for those of us fortunate enough to call a Barbour Beadnell Liberty our own, the responsibility of caring for such a sartorial gem is paramount.

Rewaxing a Barbour Beadnell Liberty

It was with great care and attention that I set about rewaxing my prized Beadnell as it was a little tired and lacked a fresh coat of wax. In this way I can ensure it remains steadfastly weatherproof and in peak condition before passing it on to its next adoring female owner. Here's a little step-by-step... 1. Prepare the Jacket:

• Lay the jacket out on a flat, clean surface. Make sure the area is well-ventilated.

• Brush off any loose dirt or debris from the jacket using a soft bristle brush.

2. Clean the Jacket:

• Mix a solution of cold water or Barbour's own Wax Cotton Cleaner.

• Use a sponge or soft cloth to gently wipe down the entire jacket, paying extra attention to any heavily soiled areas.

• Rinse the jacket with a clean, damp cloth to remove all the soap residue.

• Allow the jacket to fully air dry, preferably in direct sunlight if possible.

3. Apply the Wax:

• Prepare the Barbour Wax or your own blend of wax if you're a nerd like me.

• Use a sponge or a brush and apply a thin, even layer of the wax over the entire surface of the jacket, focusing on areas that need the most attention.

  
  

  

  I use a heatgun to keep the fabric warm while applying the wax

• Work the wax into the fabric using circular motions, ensuring full coverage.

4. Heat the Wax:

• Once the wax is applied, use a hair dryer or heat gun to gently warm the jacket. This will help the wax soak into the fabric.

• Move the heat source around the jacket, keeping it about 10cm away from the surface.

• Continue heating until the wax appears to have fully melted and absorbed into the fabric.

5. Finish Up:

• Allow the jacket to cool completely, which may take 30-60 minutes.

• Once cooled, use a soft brush to remove any excess wax that may have accumulated.

• Your Barbour Beadnell jacket is now rewaxed and ready to provide excellent water-resistance and durability.

By diligently maintaining the waxed cotton finish, you preserve the timeless appeal. In my opinion they turn more beautiful over the years, just like with old cars, wooden floors... and Helena Bonhem Carter.

Rewaxing a jacket is a bit of a labor of love. The more often you do it, the more you start loving your jacket. Take that from me.

Mr. D. Downpour