Since the beginning of 2020, John Lewis tells us, the search for 'made in the UK' has tripled on their website, demonstrating the trend that we had already noticed: that shoppers are increasingly looking to buy locally-sourced products.
So, while you might think about John Lewis as quintessentially British already, you may not be quite aware of the UK brands and people behind their locally-made products – those companies large and small, John Lewis say, who continue to invest in their artistry and belong to a country-wide network of makers creating lasting designs.
'Our Made in the UK edit is a chance to shine a spotlight on the beautiful craftsmanship created in the UK behind the products that we sell at John Lewis,' comments Nicola Waller, Partner & Head of Home Furnishings. 'We hope by shining a light on them, we can aspire and nurture further collections for the future and highlight locally produced products to our customers. The edit is a real chance to celebrate UK makers across a wide range of products.'
Let us give you a guided tour: from their own brand wallpaper and textiles to branded lighting and pottery, there are lots of stories to tell. You can – by the way – find all our best-of buying guides and shopping stories on our dedicated page, or simply scroll to see the John Lewis edit.
- Hop to John Lewis' Made in the UK collection to browse the buys.on their website
1. Made in the UK pouffes and beanbags at John Lewis
Beanbags & pouffes
By far the sell-out product of the range when we shopped, John Lewis' range of velvet pouffes and beanbags have been made by a family-run business in Blackburn who have been making bespoke products for the past 36 years. View Deal
2. Made in the UK lighting by John Lewis
Tom Raffield Urchin Pendant Ceiling Light, £285
Handmade in Cornwall, with the smallest ecological footprint possible, Tom Raffield creates sculptural lighting using traditional techniques and modern technology. The light shown above is just one of the lights from Tom; it is inspired by the empty shells of the Sea Urchin 'Echinus esculentus', a creature who inhabits the Cornish coast line. It is made from steam-bent strips of sustainably sourced oak.View Deal
3. Made in the UK tableware by John Lewis
Denby pottery
Denby has been making pottery in Derbyshire since 1809. The clay is locally sourced with a minimal carbon footprint and 55 tonnes of raw clay is recycled each year. They are dedicated to sustainability and all of their packaging is recyclable. The latest range is all beautiful natural, pinkish hues. We love it.View Deal
4. Made in the UK wallpapers at John Lewis
Wallpapers in Made in the UK collection
All John Lewis wallpapers are printed in the UK – in Loughborough or Wales – using traditional printing techniques. This one is called Pagoda and is a painterly interpretation of a Chinoiserie-style print.
5. Made in the UK textiles at John Lewis
Made in the UK textiles
Based in Darwen, Lancashire, Herbert Parkinson is John Lewis' factory, crafting everything from made-to-measure curtains and bespoke duvets to ready-made cushions and blinds. It is, says John Lewis, a celebration of UK design, quality and craftsmanship.View Deal