The Evolution of the Willow Beach Towel

Chequered History

The Willow Beach Towel draws on the iconic check pattern, a centuries-old design seen in everything from ancient artefacts to high fashion. The design of our ‘willow weave’ takes inspiration from a 17th-century hand-weaving pattern found in Marguerite Porter Davison’s A Handweaver’s Pattern Book. The design was adapted for Mungo’s looms by our Master Weaver, Stuart Holding – adding a fresh contemporary spin on an enduring classic.

Traditional Weaving

Based on an antique weaving pattern, this towel brings a time-honoured touch to the modern beach scene. Originally a design that would have been woven by hand, ours was transferred to our 150-year-old Lancashire shuttle looms, and later our rapier-operated Dornier machines. The design employs what’s known as a ‘summer and winter weave’ – what happens in the front is reversed at the back.

A Holding Original

Mungo’s founder, Stuart Holding, practised the ‘Willow Weave’ using historic weaving techniques. With over 50 years of weaving expertise, he transformed these historic designs for modern production on Mungo’s looms. The Willow Weave was one of his first towelling experiments, first created as a tea towel in his ‘Working Weaving Museum’ on an original Lancashire loom. It eventually evolved into the Willow Weave bathroom towel, and later into a fresh flat weave beach towel, known as the Willow Beach Towel.

Made with African Cotton

Each towel is woven from 100% African-grown cotton, supporting both the environment and African cotton co-operatives. Mungo supports suppliers who employ ethical social, economic, and agricultural working conditions. Learn more about our yarn, and our chosen suppliers, here.

A Universal Beach Towel

Bold in pattern and texture, and yet classic in style, the Willow Beach Towel appeals to anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, 100% cotton, absorbent beach towel. Its appeal as an all-rounder extends from beach and poolside lounging to home bathroom use.