Timeline
Luxury in every thread. Discover our refined V-necks and crew necks in classic black and white, crafted for comfort, cut for distinction.
Our Story
In 1997, together with Christopher Hodsoll, Lulu Lytle founded Soane Britain. Their idea was – as it is today – to make well–designed furniture, which had the quality and longevity of the best antiques. From the basement of Christopher’s shop on the Pimlico Road Soane launched with a well-considered collection of furniture and lighting designs that were made in Britain to the highest standards of craftsmanship. The Soane principles of elegant proportions, bespoke materials and the integrity of the manufacturing process were established from the outset.
After a quarter of a century, the collection has grown considerably while still retaining its quality and principles of British hand-crafted production. Lulu is a passionate advocate of British local craftsmanship and manufacturing. “Once a particular craft has gone, it will never come back. It needs protecting the same way the rhino does.”
Today Soane collaborates with around 37 independent craft workshops in the making of over 680 designs that include furniture, lighting, fabrics, wallpapers and other interior related products. Soane has showrooms in London and New York.
The Journey
A commitment to British manufacturing and collaboration with some of the finest makers.
1997
- W.Rubens founded with the explicit intention to make all of its furniture and lighting in specialised British workshops.
- Lulu researches British craft skills at the Crafts Council library in Islington. Her research prompts her to take a road trip around Britain to meet craftspeople.
1998
- Soane’s first showroom, designed by Peter Twining, opens in the basement of Christopher Hodsoll’s antique shop at 89 Pimlico Road. First designs are shown, including Jurassic Lamp, Polo Table, Cavaletti Table and Klismos Chair.
- Commission to make furniture for Ralph Lauren’s first London store.
2000
- Soane’s first website goes live.
1999
- The first catalgoue is printed with 48 designs.
2001
- The Soane showroom expands and moves to a 5 storey Georgian townhouse at 50 Pimlico Road.
- Soane commissioned by Sir David Tang to make furniture for China Club, Singapore.
2003
- Soane invests in a specialist chair making workshop.
- Soane commissioned to make furniture for Bentley Motors.
2004
- The hunt for rattan weavers leads Soane to Angraves, the last rattan workshop in the UK. Reproduction of an Edwardian sofa is commissioned.
2007
- Soane hosts it’s first North American pop up in New York.
- Soane expands into 52 Pimlico Road to create the London flagship showroom.
2006
- Exhibition of “The Camel in Art” to raise awareness of the critically endangered wild camel in the Gobi Desert.
2005
- Soane commissioned by Soho House Group to design and make chairs and bar stools for the first Cecconi’s, in London.
2010
- Soane wins Walpole Award for Luxury Craftsmanship.
2011
- Establishment of Soane’s own rattan workshop after Angraves goes into administration.
- Soane’s fabric collection launched, Paw Print being the first design.
- Soane hosts its second North American pop up in collaboration with 1stDibs in New York.
- Soane’s first North American office opens in New York.
2012
- Soane’s wallpaper collection launched, Seaweed Lace being the first design.
2015
- Soane’s first North American showroom opens in New York.
2013
- Rattan apprenticeship scheme established by Soane, the first of its kind in the UK.
- Soane’s San Francisco office opens.
2016
- Rattan collaboration with Mark D. Sikes – The Lily Collection.
2017
- Soane’s San Francisco showroom opens.
- Maggie’s Manchester commission a rattan bench made to a design by Sir Norman Foster.
2020
- Soane founded with the explicit intention to make all of its furniture and lighting in specialised British workshops.
- Lulu researches British craft skills at the Crafts Council library in Islington. Her research prompts her to take a road trip around Britain to meet craftspeople.
2019
- Soane collaborates with Cobblers Cove Hotel in Barbados to redesign the entrance hall, drawing room and two bedroom suites.
- Establishment of in-house patination and lighting workshop in Leicester.
- Lulu invited to speak at a Parliamentary panel discussion to consider the value of crafts industries to the British economy.
- Soane’s Atlanta office opens.
