Company History

Brownlow Linens (formerly known as Brownlow Textiles Ltd.) was established in Lurgan in 1981, and named after Brownlow House in Lurgan, County Armagh. This house, sometimes known as 'Lurgan Castle', was designed in 1833 by the Edinburgh architect , W.H. Playfair (1789-1857). This was the official residence of Lord Lurgan (the second earl), who incidentally owned Master McGrath (1866-1871), the famous racing greyhound. 

Master McGrath was bought in Dungarvan in County Waterford and achieved almost legendary fame by winning the Waterloo Cup in 1868, 1870 and 1871, and by being paraded before Queen Victoria.

It is appropriate that an Irish linen company founded in Lurgan should be named Brownlow. For Lurgan history was probably most influenced by two things. The arrival of John and William Brownlow, in the early 17th century, and the rise of the linen industry.

The company's factory was, until recently, based in the County Armagh town. It has now moved to the Franklins Group premises in nearby, Banbridge, County Down, and trades as a division of Thomas Ferguson & Co Ltd.

Products

Brownlow specializes in fine household linens with a strong ethnic Irish appeal. We regard each of our pieces as a potential heirloom for future generations.  Like all heritage, Brownlow Linens should be treasured, treated kindly, and above all enjoyed.

Our product range includes tablecloths, napkins, tray cloths, placemats, table centers, table runners, coasters, trolley cloths, tea towels, and bun warmers, for the kitchen or the dining room.

Brownlow also offers a wide selection of guest and finger tip towels, linen and cotton handkerchiefs (ladies' and gentlemen's), dressing table sets, and pillowcases.

Many items are embroidered with images of Ireland, from the Lucky Shamrock, and Celtic Knot, to the classic Claddagh Ring. Also available are lace embellished hemstitched edges for an exquisite finish, or hand crocheted and hand rolled linen handkerchiefs, for that extra touch of class!

Also included in our range are the 100% Irish linen damasks. These come in the unique Brownlow linens Celtic Scroll and Shamrock Sprig designs, and our woven by the parent company Thomas Ferguson & Co Ltd to their normal high standards. They are available as a range of tablecloth sizes, napkins, pointed runners, table centres and traycloths. As these are an all over design they are often more competitively priced than Thomas Fergusons normal range of damasks.

Marketing

Many of our products are offered in smart presentation packaging, which enhances the appeal of our collection, and makes them an ideal gift. The majority of Brownlow Linens focus on our Irish heritage. Their appeal, however, is much more widespread - we have customers as far afield as Canada, United States and Australia. Of course, we are always keen to expand our customer base, so if you wish to receive further information on what we have to offer, please complete our enquiry form.