In the competitive world of interior design, the phrase “Made in Britain” is gaining momentum as a powerful status symbol.
The UK design industry has long been revered for its timeless design and impeccable craftsmanship, and recent reports indicate that the market size of the interior design industry in the UK has reached an impressive £1.5 billion.
With a growing preference for sustainable and locally sourced products, British consumers are increasingly willing to invest in furnishings that are designed, manufactured, and finished by skilled British artisans. This article explores the rise of the “Made in Britain” movement and showcases the design brands that are leading the charge in championing British craft and design.
Burleigh Pottery’s New All Made Here Campaign
Burleigh Pottery proudly introduces its groundbreaking “All Made Here” campaign, aimed at redefining luxury and meeting the demands of conscious consumers. This campaign acknowledges the increasing desire among consumers to understand the origins and journey of the products they purchase.
Burleigh’s unwavering commitment to British craft skills is at the heart of its “All Made Here” guarantee, ensuring provenance, authenticity, and unparalleled quality.
Established in 1851, Burgess & Leigh has been crafting exquisite earthenware, known as Burleigh, in the town of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent. Since 1889, the brand has produced its iconic ceramics in Middleport Pottery, located in the same town.
For over 130 years, every single piece of Burleigh ware has been meticulously crafted in-house. Burleigh’s skilled craftspeople transform raw malleable clay into vibrant ceramics using techniques passed down through generations. This unique craftsmanship, practised by the passionate team at Middleport Pottery, distinguishes Burleigh as a global icon of British design and manufacture.
Tissue transfer printing, a time-honoured art form, remains a hallmark of Burleigh’s production process. This technique involves using hand-engraved copper rollers to create intricate patterns on ceramics. Dating back over 250 years, only 12 craftspeople in the world possess the expertise required for this precise skill, and all of them are proudly employed by Burleigh at Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
Jim Norman, Burleigh’s Managing Director, emphasizes the growing consumer interest in the authenticity and provenance of products. Consumers are becoming increasingly astute at identifying brands that lack these essential qualities. As a result, authenticity and provenance have become defining factors of luxury, as they cannot be replicated or bought.
Norman acknowledges that the phrase “All Made Here” is frequently heard from visitors at Middleport Pottery, who inquire about the origin of Burleigh’s products. Consumer suspicion towards brands claiming to be made elsewhere has fueled Burleigh’s determination to emphasize that their products are indeed “All Made Here” in Stoke-on-Trent.
Supporting Skilled Craftspeople
Renowned global design brand Andrew Martin is proud to introduce its inaugural lampshade product range, aptly named the Primrose lampshade collection. Showcasing the brand’s commitment to British craftsmanship, each lampshade is meticulously produced and sewn by hand in London.
Andrew Martin’s design team has collaborated with a group of highly skilled craftspeople to translate their most popular fabric designs into stunning lampshades with pleated silhouettes. This remarkable collaboration highlights the brand’s dedication to supporting British craftspeople and promoting their exceptional skills.
British Kitchen Design
Tom Howley, a prominent name in the world of kitchen design, takes immense pride in their commitment to British craftsmanship. Every individual component of a Tom Howley kitchen is meticulously constructed by highly skilled and time-served craftsmen in the UK.
With years of experience and an unwavering attention to detail, Tom Howley ensures that each kitchen is built to the highest possible standards. The brand’s dedication to traditional cabinet-making methods and an understanding of how to combine different timber finishes with paint colours sets Tom Howley apart in the industry. By seamlessly merging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Tom Howley designs furniture that fits any space flawlessly, regardless of the room’s dimensions.
The company’s highly skilled craftsmen bring an unparalleled level of expertise and passion to every kitchen they create. Their commitment to British craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous attention paid to each detail, from the selection of materials to the precision of the construction process. Tom Howley’s craftsmen take great pride in their ability to transform raw materials into functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen spaces.
One of the hallmarks of Tom Howley’s approach is their fusion of traditional methods with the latest technological advancements. By harnessing the power of modern technology, they can achieve a perfect balance between timeless design and contemporary functionality. This allows them to create kitchens that not only exude elegance and sophistication but also meet the demands of modern lifestyles.
In addition to their unrivalled craftsmanship, Tom Howley places great emphasis on providing exceptional customer service. They understand that each client has unique requirements and preferences, and they strive to tailor their designs to suit individual needs. From the initial consultation to the final installation, Tom Howley’s team works closely with clients, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the entire process.
Tom Howley has established itself as a leading force in the kitchen design industry by prioritising British craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their commitment to quality, combined with their ability to blend traditional and contemporary elements, has garnered them a loyal following of discerning customers. Each Tom Howley kitchen is a testament to the enduring appeal of British craftsmanship and serves as a showcase of the brand’s unwavering dedication to excellence.
In conclusion, the rise of the “Made in Britain” movement has elevated the status of British design and craftsmanship in the interior design industry. Brands like Burleigh Pottery, Andrew Martin, and Tom Howley are at the forefront of championing British craft and design.
Their unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and provenance sets them apart in a market driven by conscious consumers who seek sustainable and locally made products. As the demand for British-made furnishings continues to grow, these brands exemplify the excellence and prestige associated with the “made in Britain” label.