Atkinsons Irish poplin was originally handwoven in the homes of Irish weavers similar to the way Thai silk is woven to this day. The craft of weaving Atkinsons Irish poplin was handed down from father to son with no outsiders allowed to become apprentices. In 1820 Richard Atkinson, the then Lord Mayor of Dublin, asked a group of weavers to make their Irish poplin for his shop. By 1837 Richard Atkinson's Irish poplin fabric was so popular that Queen Victoria granted Atkinsons a Royal Warrant. Today's Atkinsons Royal Irish Poplin is a beautiful 50-50 blend of the finest silk and Australian merino wool which is dyed in Scotland. The weaving and finishing is done in Ireland.