William Yeoward - the tradition of handcrafting

The design inspiration of William Yeoward is drawn from antique pieces originally made in England and Ireland during the 18th-19th centuries. Each piece is entirely made by hand using the same traditional methods employed over 100 years ago. Unusual hand cutting and engraving are distinctive elements of William Yeoward. This fabulous Isadora Pineapple centerpiece is a true masterpiece made of crystal.

Czech & Speake - luxurious bathing

Established in 1978, Czech&Speake's founder Frank Sawkins' goal was to create a company that combined bathroom fittings of supreme quality with a genuine bespoke appeal. Sawkins wanted to sell the idea of the bathrooms as sanctuary, combined with a modern Englishness, to convey a sense of history, elegance and craft. Bathroom fittings accompanied by fragrances and accessories, Czech&Speake is recognized as a genuine English luxury brand and a rare success of quality and style, vision and tradition.

Besselink and Jones - all things bright and beautiful

Since 1969, Besselink and Jones' exquisite designs and attention to detail have ensured an enviable reputation for decorative lightning of every description. All shades are made in traditional ways by Besselink and Jones' own dedicated shademakers. They use time-honored methods passed down from generations - so everything is handmade with no machines involved. The skills and techniques required to make lightning at their level of quality are drawn directly from English craftsmen of old. Located at 99 Walton street, service of bespoke shades are also available.

J&R Lobmeyr - royalty's preference for decoration

When it came to decorating the royal palaces with glass, crystal and chandeliers there was only J&R Lobmeyr to fulfill the requirements. Since 1828, J&R Lobmeyr has been creating masterpieces large and small, by skilled artist like Adolf Loos and Joseph Hoffman. Today their creations are being ordered by the Queen Elizabeth II, Sultan of Brunei. J&R Lobmeyr masterpieces can also be found at Russia's Kremlin Palace and the King's Palace in Saudi Arabia.

Art of enamelling

The art of enamelling is defined as a vitreous glass like coating fused onto a metallic base. Enamelling is recognized as a truly artisan's work where the use of hand are always in action. The earliest known enamelled objects were made in Cyprus around the 13th century. Until the 18th century nearly all enamelling involved the production of works of art and religious artefacts. As newer techniques were being explored, the art of enamelling began to be applied in precious luxury objects targeted towards the royalty and the wealthy. France became the main center for manufactured enamels in the 12th century where French artisans pioneered in enamelling throughout Europe. Above is a beautiful Limoges enamel piece, used as a snuffbox during the 18th-19th centuries.

Antique silverware from Dabbene

The family Dabbene has been long established in silverware and their shop offers a vast choice of antique Italian pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries. The beautiful silver boxes are a must see. The store is located at Milan's 2 Largo Claudio Treves.

Trimmings by Declerq Passementiers

Declerq Passementiers began in 1852 with a very small trimmings factory in Paris. Generations of craftspeople have handled down their expertise and ancestral techniques, thus perpetuating the redefined traditions of a trade that has become rare. Used creatively by interior designers, trimmings are the great partner to decorating fabrics as they enhance and enrich, bringing contrast or compliment to an atmosphere. All trimmings are made using hands with the oldest methods to maintain the high quality.

Artisanal luxury is hidden in details

Throughout the doors, rooms, and gardens of Versailles works of fine craftsmanship is visible. The Sun King's supportive control over the artisans resulted in an aesthetically-pleasing artisanal luxury that decorated spaces magnificently. Louis XIV was a man of detail, he wanted France to convey an image of graceful elegance and tasteful opulence. In oder to achieve this goal, every detail received the King's personal attention from swans to streetlights of Paris, to the heels for men's shoes. 

Hiref - master in Anatolian handcrafts

Hiref is a design company with a philosophy of combining the wealthy Turkish inheritance with the concept of contemporary design. Hiref brings thier contemporary design skills to the Anatolian handicrafts while preserving their historical essence. 

17th century woodblock engravings on ceilings and wallpaper

Zuber is the last factory in the world to produce woodblock printed wallpapers and furnishing fabrics since 1797. Zuber uses original woodblock engraved from the 17th-18th centuries and is classified as a 'historical monument.'

Classic craftsmanship in furniture

George Smith has kept its tradition to use hands in furniture making for centuries. Every item is made using only the finest raw materials. Built by hand in George Smith workshops, skilled craftsmen continue the traditions of classic craftsmanship developed in generations gone by. Above is a design for a 19th century George Smith cabinetry.

Magnificence of French artistry

Through his wars and the glory of Versailles, Louis XIV became to a certain degree, the arbitrer of taste and power in Europe and both his chateau and the etiquette in Versailles were copied by the other European courts. But Louis didn't hesitate to share the excellence of French craftsmanship, that's why he gave presents to other Emperors to show how skilled his artisans were. Above is a masterpiece of French artistry, a cabinet Louis XIV gave to Charles II of England.

Art of furniture making

During his reign, Louis XIV demanded his financial minister Jean Baptiste Colbert to establish royal control over artisanal production in France; henceforth France would no longer purchase luxury goods from abroad but would itself set the standard for quality. The furnishing from Louis' reign is referred to as Louis XIV style, which is characterized by thick brocades of red and gold, heavy gilt work on plaster moldings, large sculpted sideboards and heavy marbles to show the opulence of the French monarchy and the exquisite craftsmanship of French artisans. 

Artisanal luxury, product of France

The best quality of work during Louis XIV' s reign was doubtless achieved by the Gobelin tapestry makers. A work day for the Gobelin artisans was 12 hours long and the daily wages were 12"soldes" - worth about 13 pounds of bread. One of a series of tapestries, produced by the Gobelins factory, commemorating the achievements of Louis XIV. This one shows the king accompanied by Jean Baptiste Colbert on a visit to the factory.