Illustration of a rainbow made from textured fabric bands in red, yellow, green, blue, and purple patterns, set against a light beige background.

OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19

As the reality of the COVID-19 crisis set in, all of us here at Turnbull swiftly transitioned into what would soon become the new normal. With our stores and workrooms closed, and many of our colleagues furloughed, we watched as the world changed irrevocably. At the same time, our sense of obligation to our customers and wider communities kicked in. From producing medical-grade scrubs to donating our daily profits to support first responders, find out more about the various initiatives we have undertaken during these uncertain times.
A quote about supporting the NHS by making scrubs, attributed to Jonathan Baker, with a small photo of gloved hands sewing fabric.
A person wearing a mask, gloves, and casual clothes stands in a factory setting, holding up a large navy blue scrub top. Sewing machines and workstations are visible in the background.

As a British brand that has endured some of history’s most testing times, we understand the importance of serving a nation. Determined to make a positive contribution to the cause, in support of those on the frontline, we are in the process of producing thousands scrub sets for the National Health Service.

MAKING SCRUBS
A quote from HRH The Prince of Wales dated 03.04.20 thanks doctors, nurses, health staff, retirees, and volunteers. The background is beige, with a small photo of a crown at the bottom.

A few weeks into producing scrubs, we shared the learnings of our journey so far in the hope that we could advance the cause beyond our limited capacities. We published our knowledge and contacts in good faith, to encourage others to benefit from our journey.

SHARING KNOWLEDGE
A woman wearing a mask and gloves sits in a textile factory, holding a sign that reads SUPPORT OUR NHS. Sewing machines and fabric are visible around her.
A folded set of blue medical scrubs above a text box with community appreciation messages for scrub makers, praising their essential contribution and quality scrubs for frontline workers.
A stack of neatly folded navy blue garments with elastic waistbands rests on a metal cart in a brightly lit workspace with a yellow line on the floor nearby.

As the pandemic advanced, and to further support our healthcare workers and their wider communities, we were delighted to donate all profits on 30th April and 7th May to our chosen essential worker funds – New York's First Responders Fund and the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.

DONATING PROFITS
Graphic with a quote by Jonathan Baker, Turnbull & Asser Managing Director, dated 13.03.20, about reconsidering what matters during challenging times. Bottom left shows sewing machines and fabric.

Longstanding collaborator and friend of Turnbull, Stephen J. Morgan visited our Gloucester workrooms to capture our fantastic machinists at work. Morgan’s documentary style and a knack for poignant portraiture make this one of our favourite commissions to date.

THE PHOTOSERIES
A person wearing blue scrubs, gloves, and a face mask stands in a workshop handling fabric with sewing machines and a small British flag in the background. Blue blinds and certificates are visible on the wall.

FURTHER INFORMATION

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Illustration of two hands clapping with rays above them, surrounded by the text “Support Key Workers” on a light background.