Wigton’s Redmayne 1860 create suit for Charlie Mackesy's Oscar debut

Wigton’s Redmayne 1860, who also have an outlet on London’s Mayfair, look forward to seeing their suit grab the limelight as it is donned on writer and illustrator Charlie Mackesy at the upcoming academy awards on Sunday evening, March 13. 

Charlie, who attended school in Hexham, has been nominated for his animated short film, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. 

The business, which is run by husband and wife Tom and Claire Mahon, said it's great that a "little firm like this can punch above its weight". 

Head cutter Tom and managing director Claire Mahon (Image: Supplied)

"Some of the producers of the film are clients of ours and one thing led to another, so we ended up getting Charlie in for a fitting. 

"We got on really well, Charlie is a lovely guy. He's one of those classic overnight successes that has taken him 40 years. 

Author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy next to his latest exhibition (Image: PA/Redmayne1860)

"It was a bit of a rush to get finished in time, but what's really nice is he was really blown away by the process, Charlie is exactly the sort of person he comes across as, very humble, highly creative and skillful artist," he said. 

Tom, who is the head cutter and still uses a pair of shears which once cut cloth for the suits of the likes of Hollywood superstar Fred Astaire, said "it was nice to make something for him, let's just hope he wins". 

Despite a global client base, Tom and Claire still make Wigton the company’s hub.

William Nixon and Molly Haney got a chance to work on the suit for the Oscars (Image: Redmayne 1860)

It wasn't just Tom involved in the creation process however, young apprentices William Nixon, 22 from Ivegill, and Molly Haney, 20 from Wigton, also got a chance to work on the suit that's destined for the bright lights of Hollywood. 

You can find Redmayne 1860 on Wigton's High Street.