The pheasant is a bird that has graced the British countryside landscape for over nine centuries. From aristocrats and royalty to anyone visiting the region today, people have admired its beauty and shared space with these elegant creatures.
Its historical significance has shaped its impact on our society, turning it into a cultural icon of the countryside and, since the last century, earning it a place in the world of fashion.
Over time, this admiration has grown into a true fascination among the British public — and in this article, we’ll explore just how that came to be.
From Asia, To The Royalty And The British Countryside
The first pheasants were brought to the United Kingdom by the Romans in 1000 A.D. Their initial purpose was to turn them into gamebirds, as they could provide a large amount of meat, and their feathers were striking, though originally only used as home decorations.
Over time, their popularity grew, and they began to be featured on medieval aristocratic and royal menus. King Henry VII was the first to appoint an employee exclusively for breeding this animal and was a well-known hunter of them.
Their hunting became so widespread that by the 18th century, they were almost completely extinct. This was prevented by outsourcing pheasants from Asian countries to restore the local population. This effort avoided extinction and led the Chinese ring-necked pheasant to outnumber the British Caucasian pheasant.
Hunting regulations helped preserve the population of this bird. This allowed the pheasant to transition from being an exclusive bird of the aristocracy to one with greater presence in the countryside.
A Countryside Staple: Why We Love the Pheasant
Pheasants are intrinsically linked to the countryside due to their role as game birds, but their beauty and elegance made them relevant in the world of fashion and decoration.
Its impact on popular culture was first seen through works of art like paintings and sculptures, some of which have been showcased in prestigious museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET, NYC) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (also known as The V&A).
Pheasant Plate Of porcelain, painted with enamels and gilded. Made in 1814-1816 by Chamberlain Worcester (manufacturer), exhibited at the V&A museum. Learn more at – Spaniel & Wounded PheasantÂ
In the countryside, the pheasant also holds a special place in home decor, with wooden figurines adorning shelves and its vibrant feathers featured in various spaces. Its beauty makes it striking to the eye, adding elegance and a pop of color to any room.
Over time, it practically became an obsession in the countryside, eventually making its way into fashion. People wear clothing with pheasant prints as a symbol of pride and admiration for this bird, which has become a worldwide icon representing the region.
Pheasants in British Style and Fashion
There are various ways in which countryside fashion captures the essence of the pheasant. The two main approaches are: elegant, classy clothing that reflects the bird’s more subdued colors, and garments featuring prints inspired by its distinctive appearance. Here, we’ll provide a quick overview and examples of both.
Elegant and Classy Clothing Inspired by Pheasant Colors
These garments come in solid, neutral tones like various shades of brown, dark green, and hints of gray or black. They’re often cozy clothes designed for the hunting season (which runs from October to February in the UK) or to keep warm for those who prefer birdwatching instead of hunting.
Vests are a staple, as they offer hunters greater mobility while keeping most of the body covered, and they’re equally favored by people who simply enjoy hiking through the countryside and spotting these beautiful birds. The AMARA Taupe Pheasant is super soft with embroidered pheasants that will keep you warm and cozy.
Pheasant-Inspired Prints and Patterns
If you want to take the pheasant with you everywhere, the best way is through elegant clothing featuring pheasant prints. At Hartwell, we have the perfect pieces for both summer and winter, so you can wear them for a stroll in the city or a day in the countryside.
Some of our garments are suitable for any time of year, like the LAYLA Green Pheasant Camouflage which is a classy shirt to wear for a walk or even at the office. The CHLOE Navy Pheasants is super fresh, with delicate embroidered pheasants near the shoulder area. If you pair them with a blazer or jacket, you can easily wear them during the colder months.
The LAYLA White embroidered pheasant luxury shirt features a beautifully embroidered pheasant on each shoulder — perfect for embroidery lovers. With colorful detailing on the seams, it stands out without losing its classy touch.
Conservation and the Future of Pheasants in Britain
Pheasants are the hallmark of the British countryside — they symbolize our elegance and carry the colors of our natural landscape. That’s why at Hartwell, we encourage the conservation of this bird, which has accompanied us for centuries, adding beauty and balance to our ecosystem.
At Hartwell, we love taking countryside walks and coming across these magnificent birds, and we believe future generations deserve to witness this too. Hunting should only be practiced within the legal guidelines, as this bird once faced the threat of extinction — something we must ensure never happens again.
We want to highlight the work of the World Pheasant Organization and its role in protecting this marvelous bird that graces our land. Just like the WPO, we protect what identifies us and what makes us who we are. The pheasant is a true symbol of our region, and we invite you to wear it proudly with our collection.
The Lasting Charm Of The Pheasant
At Hartwell, we choose to celebrate the charm of this magnificent bird by showcasing it in our finest garments, allowing people to wear and carry it everywhere in an ethical and sustainable way. We have no doubt that the pheasant’s allure will endure for centuries to come, remaining one of the most beautiful icons of our countryside.
With our clothing recommendations and style tips, you now know how to carry a touch of this beautiful bird in your outfits. There’s something for every season, and the timeless charm of the pheasant and countrywear will ensure you can enjoy these pieces for many seasons to come.