Spence Bryson was founded as Spence, Bryson & Co. Ltd in 1885 by John Bell Bryson and Thomas Henry Spence in Portadown, County Armagh.[1] John Bell Bryson (c.1859-1923) was born in County Down,[2] and apprenticed in the linen trade to Robert Glass of Portadown, while Thomas Henry Spence (c.1854-1937) was born in County Armagh,[3] and was apprenticed to Hamilton Robb in Portadown.[4]
By the 1950s, Spence Bryson was the largest of the 11 weaving companies based in the Portadown area and was based on Meadow Lane.[5] The company was bought by Ulster Weavers Ltd in 1990.[6]
The company is known for its manufacture of a range of linen fabrics, from light linen to suit fabric,[6] and for its self-sufficiency, sourcing local wood for their looms and locally cast iron.[5] In the 20th century, the sales division was organised into 3 sections: embroidery cloth, handkerchiefs, and suiting.[1] In the 1950s, Spence Bryson worked with fashion designer Sybil Connolly to develop her signature pleated linen from handkerchief linen.[7]