Making the Finest Marquees Requires the Finest Tools

The old adage, “Use the right tool for the right job,” is one we stand by. Choosing the best tool for the task not only makes the job easier and faster but also ensures precision and a high-quality result. With that in mind, a few years ago, we set out on a quest to find the perfect pair of scissors to cut our canvas. Our search quickly led us to Ernest Wright, a company in Sheffield that has been crafting the finest scissors in Britain since 1902. Their passion for craftsmanship and heritage mirrors our own at Wills.

Tools of the Trade

When we visited Ernest Wright in person, we had the privilege of a guided tour by one of their expert “scissors putter-togetherers” (yes, that’s the title for someone who has completed the five-year apprenticeship required to perfect this skill). The factory tour revealed the intricate process behind each pair of scissors, and you can read more about their remarkable story here.

The pair we chose for our work are the 10″ Tailor Shears—a global standard among tailors. These scissors are perfect for cutting through fabric, including the durable canvas we use, sourced from British Millerain, a well-established Northern dye and cloth company that supplies fabrics to brands like Barbour and Belstaff. Crafted from drop-forged high-quality carbon steel, these shears undergo a detailed process of grinding, sanding, hardening, rumbling, assembling, and polishing before the final quality check. The skill and craftsmanship involved in each pair is evident, ensuring that they will last a lifetime.

The Perfect Marriage

“We are but the two halves of a pair of scissors, when apart… but together we are something.” — Charles Dickens

Owner Paul Jacobs of Ernest Wright is deeply committed to preserving the values of quality, heritage, and craftsmanship for the future—a vision we share at Wills. It felt like a natural fit to show Paul around our own canvas workshop near York and discuss how we incorporate Ernest Wright scissors into our marquee-making process. Paul later wrote a blog about our craft and the role these remarkable scissors play in it. You can read the full article here.

Want to See for Yourself?

Curious about the marquee-making process? Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at our headquarters. Our “Meet the Maker” experiences provide a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the artistry, quality materials, and attention to detail that set a Wills marquee apart. Contact us here to schedule your visit—we look forward to welcoming you!

Image of a Wills marquee by SP Films and Photography