Suit-maker to the stars leaves a lasting legacy
Walter Grimes founded bespoke suit makers, Carl Stuart, in Ossett and his business went on to become a clothes shop of choice for the rich and famous.
However, the highly-skilled master cutter had been suffering from dementia in recent years and he died in Pinderfields Hospital on the evening of January 3.
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Hide AdHis family, who still run the famous firm today, paid tribute.
His daughter, Jane Firth, said: “He was very generous, gentle and kind man and was a very good listener.
“Everyone had 100 per cent respect for him, and everybody has been shocked by his death, it’s a very sombre mood among the staff at the moment.
“He will be missed a hell of a lot and it’s such a massive loss.”
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Hide AdGrowing up in Thorpe, he went on to become a master cutter at Ibbotson’s tailors in Leeds, before branching out on his own in April 1963.
As his reputation grew over the years, so has the long list of famous A-list customers such as Elton John, Mick Jagger, Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro.
The company was even asked to cut a bespoke jacket for US President-elect, Donald Trump, and trousers for the world’s tallest man - 7ft 9” Xi Shun from China.
Shop manager Stephen Spurr and long-time friend said: “Walter was excellent at what he did, otherwise we wouldn’t have the reputation we do.
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Hide Ad“He was perfectionist and stuck with the industry when others fell by the wayside.
“He worked six days a week and took work home with him for the seventh day, he really loved his job.”
The funeral will be held at Holy Trinity Church in North Ossett on January 25 at 2pm.