In 1929, John Matouk founded the company with a mission to give Americans ready access to the world's most luxurious linens. From an early age Mr. Matouk, born the son of a fine jeweler in Damascus, Syria, was steeped in the principles of meticulous workmanship and good taste. As a young man he immigrated to Italy where he learned the fine linens business, gaining particular expertise in the intricate lace and extraordinary hand-work that were very much part of the Italian tradition. He began exporting Italian linens to the United States, developing a partnership with the famous Olga Asta linen and embroidery house located in St. Marks Square in Venice.
Mr. Matouk fulfilled his lifelong dream to make a life in the United States in July of 1929, arriving in New York with trunks of the exquisite linens that he had discovered in Italy. Even in those difficult times there were those who had a passion for fine things and the means to afford them, and the first Matouk products soon became sought after by the finest stores and private customers.
During World War II, with his supply lines from Europe cut off, Mr. Matouk moved his production to the U.S., opening the first Matouk factory in Manhattan. When linen became scarce during wartime, he pioneered a special blended fabric of mohair, rayon and cotton. This became Matouk's first signature tablecloth.
In 1963, John's son, George F. Matouk Sr., joined the business and three years later he became president. During his 36 years leading the company, George Sr. grew Matouk from a maker of fine table linens to a full-service luxury home textile source for the bed, bath and table. In 1985, George Sr. moved the factory from Manhattan to southern New England, home to both a tradition of American textile production and a community of skilled craftspeople who continue to practice the art of embroidery and monogramming for which Matouk is known around the world.
Today, the Matouk factory and headquarters are located in Fall River, Massachusetts in a world-class facility that features a solar energy system, advanced production technologies, and an environment committed to promoting the health and well being of our employees. At Matouk old world techniques live hand-in-hand with state of the art tools and production philosophies.
Under the leadership of John Matouk's grandson, George Matouk Jr., the company remains committed to, and invigorated by, our purpose of enriching the lives of our customers and their families by creating the most beautiful and beloved collection of bed and bath linens.