Fox Hunting Life with Horse and Hound

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Michael_and_Elsie_Frazer_4_days_before_fire_destroyed_their_tailor_shopMichael and Elsie Frazer just four days before fire destroyed their tailor shop          Noel Mullins photo

The shop of famous Irish sporting tailor William Frazer in the village of Hospital in County Limerick was destroyed by fire on Wednesday, February 16. William Frazer passed away years ago, but the business was continued by his son Michael and Michael’s wife Elsie.

Besides the complete loss of stock, fabrics, and equipment, all their records were destroyed, including measurements and memorabilia of the many well-known customers like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and other larger-than-life foxhunters and sporting figures for whom the Frazers built hacking jackets, hunt coats, vests, breeches, and trousers for over two generations.

Many Foxhunting Life readers have no doubt had garments made by the Frazers, and the family wants you to know that they no longer have your contact information. They plan to reopen as soon as possible, and they ask that you send them your phone numbers and email addresses. Some customers will want to send a note as well expressing sympathy and support. Phone Michael and Elsie at +353 61 383118, send mail to Main Street, Hospital, County Limerick, Ireland, or email them at [email protected]

FHL contributor Noel Mullins hunted with the Scarteen Hounds from their meet in the village of Hospital just four days before the fire, and he just happened to take a series of photos in the Frazer’s shop that day. Mullins has mixed feelings about the fact that he probably has what constitute the last photos ever taken in that quaint, unassuming, yet legendary custom tailor shop.

Posted February 19, 2011

Comments   

+1 # Allison Kotzig 2011-02-24 03:26
NOOOOOOOOO! I am so sorry for them, this will be tough to set themselves on their feet after such a loss. We had 2 hunt coats ready for the 2nd fitting there as well!!
Reply
+1 # Noel Mullins 2011-02-24 12:12
Allison please get in touch with Michael and Elsie as they lost all their contact names in the fire
Kind Regards
Noel Mullins
Web Site www.noelmullins.com
Reply
+1 # Allison Kotzig 2011-02-24 22:23
Thanks Noel, I called them yesterday; they are doing well and Michael is already raring to get back to work! He was still in shock though and further killed me by saying my coat had just been finished, it only needed the buttons! I am so amazed by his fortitude!! When I said I had heard about it on this website, he mentioned that you had been there taking photos just last week.
Reply
+1 # Denya Massey 2011-02-24 16:45
Such a life tragedy, but how serendipitous that Noel was there four days earlier. The photographs must be extraordinary bittersweet.
Reply
+2 # Noel Mullins 2011-02-24 23:43
The power of the internet and particularly Norman's fine hunting web site www.foxhuntinglife.com continues to amaze me. I got a note last week from Dr Martin and Sarah Fleming well known in the Blue Ridge hunt country, a charming couple that I met first when I was resident on a Fellowship in the Natonal Sporting Library in Middleburg, Virginia.
Both clients of Frazers they sent me the note from their mobile phone when they got the sad news as they crossed on a ferry from North Island to South Island in New Zealand!
Yours in Hunting
Noel Mullins www.noelmullins.com
Reply

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