History
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 41 independent craft workshops in the making of over 300 designs that include furniture, lighting, fabrics, wallpapers and other interior related products. Soane has showrooms in London and New York.
Milestones
A commitment to British manufacturing and collaboration with some of the finest makers.
1997
- 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.
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.
1999
- The first catalgoue is printed with 48 designs.
2000
- Soane’s first website goes live.
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.
2005
- Soane commissioned by Soho House Group to design and make chairs and bar stools for the first Cecconi’s, in London.
2006
- Exhibition of “The Camel in Art” to raise awareness of the critically endangered wild camel in the Gobi Desert.
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.
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.
2013
- Rattan apprenticeship scheme established by Soane, the first of its kind in the UK.
- Soane’s San Francisco office opens.
2015
- Soane’s first North American showroom opens in New York.
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.
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.
2020
- His Majesty King Charles III visits Soane’s rattan workshop in Leicester.
- Fabric collaboration with fashion designer Duro Olowu.
- The Susie Bag launches online as Soane’s first ecommerce item.
- “RATTAN, A World of Elegance and Charm” by Lulu Lytle is published by Rizzoli.
2021
- Lighting and fabric collaboration with the botanical artist Sophie Coryndon.
- Lighting collaboration with interior designer David Netto.
- Fabric collection with textile collector Karun Thakar.
- Establishment of The Karun Thakar Fund with the V&A Museum.
- Lulu invited to be an ambassador for Maggie’s.
2022
- Soane celebrated 25 years of British craftsmanship.
- Soane collaborates with the Edward Barnsley Workshop for the launch of the Easy Chair.
- Soane employs 93 people, 26 work in Soane workshops and 8 are apprentices.
- Soane works with 39 independent craft workshops in the UK.
2023
- Lulu invited to speak at The V&A Museum about the importance of nurturing traditional crafts and championing new ones to ensure these skills will be saved for future generations.
- Soane opened a North American flagship showroom on Madison Avenue.
- Fabric collection with the interior decorator Adam Bray.
2024
- Soane achieved the sustainability goal of ensuring all upholstery filling is natural and FR chemical free.
- Fabric collection with the artist Charlotte Johnstone.
- Soane’s rattan craftspeople invited to demonstrate their skills at 10 Downing Street.
- Lulu awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of her services to British Manufacturing and Craftsmanship.
