Grenfell Handicrafts Online Store.

The origin of Grenfell Handicrafts dates back to the early 1900s when Sir Wilfred Grenfell, an English-born medical doctor and missionary, served among the fisherfolk of northern Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dr. Grenfell was impressed by the quality of clothing handcrafted by housewives in tiny communities along the rugged coast. He was equally impressed with their expertise in mat-hooking and embroidery.

He recommended that families use these skills as a means to supplement the meager incomes they earned from fishing.

To assist in making and marketing their handcrafted parkas, mitts and slippers, he established Grenfell Labrador Industries as a division of the Grenfell Mission. It quickly gained a reputation for excellent quality and workmanship.
Today the Grenfell tradition is alive and well at Grenfell Handicrafts and is located in the Interpretation Centre. The store sells clothing, hooked rugs, knitting and many other locally produced crafts.

Grenfell products have been sold around the world and have served as gifts to members of the Royal Family, leading heads of state and even Pope John Paul II.