London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles… we’ve been busy!

It’s been an extraordinary few months for us at 1718, so please excuse us for not posting a blog in a while. The team has been so busy as we’ve diversified into new areas, and kept building the business – despite the background of the pandemic crisis.

I’ve always led the financial and commercial side of 1718, and we’ve formalised that now by giving me the title of Chief Operating Officer. That has also fully freed up Michael to focus on his great strength of working closely with our wonderful clients, creating the furniture that you see on this website.

There’s been a lot going on. As well as continuing to create bespoke items for private clients, we’ve been developing the commercial, B2B and restoration side of our work. This has included extensive work with the NoMad Hotel in London’s Covent Garden, which has been beautifully transformed by the Sydell Group. Built in 1880, the hotel was originally Bow Street Magistrates Court – Oscar Wilde and Emily Pankhurst both stood trial there. Today, it’s one of the finest places to stay or visit in London. We’re continuing to work on a rolling programme of furniture restoration across the hotel (pictured below) – the elegance of the interiors and the quality of finishes are stunning.

Luxury Hong Kong bedroom

We’ve also created two Scottish-themed furniture collections for the Hong Kong luxury bedroom retailer DPM. We were originally asked to collaborate on the project by Aberdeen-based Glencraft, which holds a Royal Warrant and has been supplying mattresses to the Royal family at Balmoral Castle for four generations. It’s been exciting working with Glencraft on the collections, which include a hero bedframe, night stand, bedroom bench, reception desk, swivel chair and tea trolley. The collaboration has also involved three other outstanding Scottish artisan businesses: Prickly Thistle, Bute Fabrics and Muirhead.

Chicago & LA bound

And there’s more in the pipeline – we’re excited by plans we’re working on to develop our furniture-making capacity and build further links with our growing market in the US, particularly through Chicago and Los Angeles.

Given the problems that so many people across the world are currently facing, we’re very grateful to be in such a positive position. But we always remember where we came from, and the 1718 team continues to embrace the family values that the business was founded upon. As well as creating furniture of outstanding beauty and quality, Michael and I pride ourselves on knowing all of our clients in person and always being here to support them and provide the best possible service.

We hope that all our clients, partners and friends are well. We’ll back in touch with more news – and we won’t leave it so long next time!