The Tale of Thomas Burberry
In celebration of Burberry’s 160th anniversary this holiday season, the British fashion house has teamed with the best of the best to release a short film, telling the story of its founder Thomas Burberry – fittingly titled The Tale of Thomas Burberry. Written by Academy Award-nominated Matt Charman – who wrote 2015’s Bridge of Spies – and directed by Academy Award-winner Asif Kapadia, the short film features Domhnall Gleeson, Sienna Miller, Lily James and Dominic West – a cast of some of Hollywood’s finest British actors and actresses.
The Tale of Thomas Burberry
Played by Domhnall Gleeson, the story follows Thomas Burberry as he founded the company in 1856 at the age of 21, and subsequently, his invention of gabardine – a waterproof material made of woven cotton and wool, which can be found in the company’s signature trench coats today.
The Tale of Thomas Burberry
The central plot of the short film revolves around Dominic West’s character Ernest Shackleton – an acclaimed polar explorer who wore the innovative material for three of his expeditions – and his treacherous and unfortunately ill-fated Shackleton’s Endurance expedition across Antarctica in 1914.
The Tale of Thomas Burberry
Sienna Miller also stars as Sara the fictionalised first love of Thomas Burberry.
The Tale of Thomas Burberry
Additionally, Lily James portrays a young woman named Betty, inspired by the real-life achievements of pilot Betty Kirby-Green, who flew a record-breaking round trip from England to Cape Town in 1937 on what was dubbed ‘The Burberry’ plane.
For only three minutes and thirty-five seconds, this short film truly captures the pioneering and revolutionary spirit of Thomas Burberry. You can check it out in full below:
