Our condolences go to the family, friends and colleagues of Paul Frearson, a highly skilled coat-maker who was a cherished and much respected presence on Savile Row for a remarkable sixty-five years.

Mr Frearson developed his sewing skills while still at school, altering his and his friends’ uniforms to suit the slimmer styles of the era. At the age of fifteen, he decided to turn his passion into a career and started work at a bespoke tailoring shop in his home town of Hastings. And then, after two years, he progressed to Savile Row, the natural home for his exceptional talent. For the last forty-four years he was a valued member of the team at Henry Poole & Co.

During his time with Henry Poole, Mr Frearson trained seven coat-makers, two of whom won the prestigious Golden Shears award for tailoring excellence. A true tailor’s tailor, he was always willing to offer his time, guidance and support, and became a mentor to many.

Mr Frearson’s dedication to his trade and to helping others within it also saw him join the Bespoke Tailors’ Benevolent Association in 1990, where he served as a treasurer and remained an active trustee until his passing.

Henry Poole Managing Director Simon Cundey comments: “From my early teen years to now, I had the pleasure to know Paul for some thirty-six years. He was a devoted coat-maker and his legacy as a passionate practitioner and teacher of his craft, and a man who always had the wellbeing of others in his thoughts will live on at Henry Poole. A much admired man, he will be missed by many.”