The best of British: Jim Lawrence

As part of the Sourced Locally series, Period Living talks to Jim Lawrence, whose company produces produces a wide range of traditional ironwork for the home.

It was only by chance that farmer Jim Lawrence began working with metal, and discovered that a demand existed for stylish, designer quality products made using natural materials. Having learned the basics from a German blacksmith years earlier, he decided to make some rag-rolled metal candlesticks for his friends. Encouraged by their response, he made more. ‘Surprisingly, they sold,’ he says today from the large forge in Suffolk that he owns with his wife, Sheena. It is there, with 205 staff, that they create bespoke curtain rails, light fixtures, door furniture and other home accessories. At the premises they do everything, from the designing and metalwork to the machining, wiring and painting.

ABOVE (left-right): A Tulip Wall Light in production; The company employs 205 staff and does everything from blacksmithing and painting to making lightshades.

‘Everyone working with us is from the area – it’s quite a unique business,’ says Jim. ‘There are shop staff, office staff, curtain sewers, lampshade makers and machinists all under one roof.’ The business employs up to three generations of local families.

Keen to move away from the rustic look often seen in handmade metalwork, Jim Lawrence produces traditional, sleek fixtures such as the Curtis Spot Light. Other light styles are complemented by their handmade lampshades in cream, ivory and antique gold. ‘We are not just blacksmiths,’ says Jim. ‘It’s a whole considered look that we offer.’

Sourcing glass locally, selling directly to the public and offering the highest possible levels of customer service, Jim Lawrence enjoys the challenge and intimacy of bespoke projects. That’s one of the main reasons that Jim has no plans to go global.

ABOVE (left-right): A hand-forged candlestick by Jim Lawrence; Jim Lawrence’s Brass Feather Wall Light.

Jim Lawrence Traditional Ironwork Ltd is at The Ironworks, Lady Lane Industrial Estate, Hadleigh, Suffolk. (01473 826685; jim-lawrence.co.uk).

More great British companies
Carpets by Roger Oates...
Fabrics by Abraham Moon...
Furniture by Wesley-Barrell...
Antique furniture by I&JL Brown...
Kitchen furniture by John Lewis of Hungerford...
Textiles by Lewis & Wood...

FEATURE KATIE GIBBONS
Featured in the March 2012 issue of Period Living