Please direct all press enquiries to:

Michele Lewis of the The Top Floor Agency

www.thetopflooragency.co.uk  

michele@thetopflooragency.com

01625 502545  or 07729 501369  

Made by Hands of Britain's very own Bulldog Tools' Ultimate Garden Tool Collection is featured in the Independant

Made by Hands of Britain Launches Collection of Handcrafted Garden Art, Sculptures and Tools

Inaugural National Gardening Week inspires artisan collection of functional and decorative items for gardens in town or country

Manchester, 16 April 2012 – Made by Hands of Britain, the award-winning online marketplace featuring fine British craft and design for home and garden, has announced its new collection of handcrafted garden art, sculpture and gardening tools. The new range coincides with National Gardening Week (16^th to 22^nd April), an inaugural event launched by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS); the UK’s leading gardening charity.

Inspired by a love and appreciation for British craft and design, Gillian Montegrande, a former landscape designer, founded the business to support British artisans and provide discerning customers with a unique gallery of beautifully honed and expertly crafted items to grace homes and gardens.

Included in the gardening range is a new collection of sundials and sculptures by artist Jennifer Tetlow, who crafts her nature and wildlife inspired pieces from York Stone.  

“As a passionate gardener I think National Gardening Week is a terrific initiative”, says Gillian Montegrande. “It celebrates our collective expertise and love of gardening, for which we are world renowned and what could be better than to couple that with our other celebrated national skill for exceptional craftsmanship?”

The gardening collection also features new hand forged, traditional and contemporary furniture designs from Ironart of Bath, a family run business with a small team of skilled and experienced blacksmiths. The pieces, available in a wide range of heritage colours, are supplied galvanized for rust-proof longevity and ease of maintenance.

A strong believer in catching budding gardeners early, Bulldog tools has introduced a beautifully crafted set of tools for children. Used and loved by amateur and professional gardeners alike, Bulldog Tools have been made at Clarington Forge, Wigan for 230 years. The factory has the only full time working forge still making spades and forks within the UK.

Each tool is individually hand forged from a solid piece of unique specification steel, for exceptional strength. They are designed to stand the test of time and to be passed down from generation to generation.

Made by Hands of Britain is proud to have been awarded a Silver Website Award by MumpreneurUK

Thank you Mumpreneur UK

Made by Hands of Britain features in February's issue of Woman and Home magazine

Made by Hands of Britain's newest member is featured in Devon Life

We would like to welcome, Diana Robbins of Dart Designs, who makes absolutely beautiful and hardwearing windbreakers from recycled and new sailcloth. You can take a look at the range here.

Diana was featured in the August (2011) issue of Devon Life talking about how her business was born from one windbreaker, sewn together by her grandmaother in 1987.  

Made by Hands of Britain featured in the Amazing Blog

Much has been made, in recent years, of the benefits of shopping local. Not only are you supporting home grown trade, but generally you’ll find products are higher in quality and as they’re not mass produced, purchases are far more unique, and thus perfect for treating either yourself or a loved one to something extra-special.

If however, you don’t have the time (or indeed the inclination) to spend your Saturday mornings trawling round craft fairs, or seeking out a nearby independent boutique, then Made By Hands Of Britain is the perfect solution. Founded by Gillian Montegrande just over a year ago, this beautiful website has on offer some of the finest items of British craftsmanship available exclusively online. Inspired by a love and appreciation of local skill and artistry, Gillian spotted a niche in the market that was yet to be filled. And so saw the birth of Made By Hands Of Britain which showcases over 190 of Britain’s finest craftsmen, all under one virtual roof. With an array of unique and inspiring items from confectionary to handwoven scarves and 18ct gold jewellery, there’s something to suit everyone, whatever your style or budget.

And while buying handmade gifts from this fabulous website supports local artisan communities, it also means you will be investing in pieces that will endure the test of time, unlike much of what is available on our high streets. One’s carbon footprint is drastically reduced and the seller’s eco-credentials are increasingly higher than large chains, due largely to the way in which they craft their items – by hand rather than by machine.

I particularly liked the Gift part of the website, which had a huge spectrum of offerings available. With sellers including Alexandra Abraham: Artist and Jewellery Designer, who sources her materials from the Thames Foreshore and forgotten rubbish tips, Lucy Alexandra Batt – whose handmade glass pieces are intricately carved and embellished with intimate floral or abstract patterns and Geoffrey Fisher – a Buckinghamshire-based designer who works exclusively in wood, there are some truly fabulous ideas for anyone who needs help with present buying.

Essentially Natural of Made by Hands of Britain gets a mention in Vegetarian Living

Made by Hands of Britain gets a lovely mention on the Jordans Cereal Blog

Give British this Christmas

Posted on Thursday 15 December 2011

With the same old chain shops and uninspiring department stores, it’s no wonder that Christmas shopping is more a chore than a joy these days. But now we’ve found the perfect way to put the feel-good factor back into giving. At www.madebyhandsofbritain.com, you can browse the creations of hundreds of British artisans, from woodworkers and potters, to silversmiths and natural toiletry-makers, in search of the perfect gift. You’ll not only be avoiding the multi-storey car parks and muzak, but because every single item has been handcrafted in Britain, you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you are supporting our small British craftsmen while you shop!

Picture: Sycamore Pendant by Lucy Jade Sylvester, Made by Hands of Britain

Written by Catherine Butler

Shaun Hall one of Made by Hands of Britain's resident ceramicists Features in London Metro

Catherine Aitken, one of our talented designer bag makers is featured on the 'man about town blog' Collar to Cuff

Tweed All About It

I remember when the mere mention of tweed conjured up thoughts of being stuffy, boring and old fashioned. Something that was reserved for the next generation. But both smart and practical, for me, Tweed has since become something that should be making an appearance in every man’s wardrobe.

The original name of the cloth was tweel, meaning twill. It being woven in a twilled rather than a plain pattern. A traditional story has the name coming about almost by chance. About 1830, a London merchant received a letter from a Hawick firm about some tweels. The London merchant misinterpreted the handwriting, understanding it to be a trade-name taken from the river Tweed that flows through the Scottish Borders textile area. Subsequently the goods were advertised as Tweed, and the name has remained ever since.

Being robust and versatile, it makes for a great material for more than just a suit or jacket. Upholstery and even curtains are a smart way of employing the delights of Tweed. Or even…

I’m a big fan of this tweed Man Bag by Catherine Aitken. Smart and practical (there are those words again), but what I really like is it’s sense of humour in uterlising a tweed jacket and reusing the jacket pockets that were.  Great fun!

Approximate dimensions are 36cms wide by 30cms high and 8cms deep. Cost £135.

For more, have a look at: www.MadeByHandsOfBritain.com

http://collartocuff.wordpress.com/tag/made-by-hands-of-britain/

Sue Greenstreet Couturier, featured in the very apt Cheshire Life Magazine

I am delighted to inform you that we have had two makers featured in Cheshire Life. Firstly Sue Greenstreet who said she was flattered and honoured that they took such an interest in her work and is pleased to report that she has already had some requests for commissions as a result. Please see below for details or the second maker who was featured.

One of Made by Hands of Britain's very own Handweavers, Christine Jordan features in Cheshire Life Magazine

Christine Jordan, appears here, at her loom, in her studio in Cheshire, showing just what goes into making one of her beautiful handwoven rugs, made from yarn spun by herself as well. Now that's dedication! Thank you to Cheshire Life for telling her story so well.

Made by Hands of Britain Welcomes The Sterlingham Bathroom Accessory Company

http://www.prlog.org/11653885-acclaimed-bathroom-fittings-company-sterlingham-joins-madebyhandsofbritaincom.html

http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/acclaimed-bathroom-fittings-company-sterlingham-joins-madebyhandsofbritaincom

Made by Hands of Britain featured in The Independant for promoting Cheesemaker H S Bourne

Made by Hands of Britain gets a mention on My Green Lifestyle Magazine

Artist and Jewellery Designer Alexandra Abraham Launches Distinctive Collection at Made by Hands of Britain

Artist Alexandra Abraham’s exciting range of dramatic, embellished and distinctive paintings and jewellery is now available on Made by Hands of Britain, the online boutique featuring some of Britain’s finest artists and craftspeople. 

07 June 2011 – London - ‘Made by Hands of Britain’, (www.madebyhandsofbritain.com) the online specialist marketplace which showcases British artists and craftspeople, is delighted to announce the addition of artist Alexandra Abraham’s exciting range of distinctive and beautifully embellished paintings and jewellery to the site.                                                                                          

Internationally-renowned artist Alexandra Abraham works from her North London studio where she hand crafts exquisite jewellery and paintings from sustainable recyclable materials that include 16th century glass picked up along the Thames Foreshore, ancient china from the forgotten Victorian rubbish tips of Hampstead Heath, pebbles, antique buttons, and Venetian smalti. Her gilded wooden bangles and brooches are encrusted with found objects she has personally sourced from around the world.

“I’m inspired by the origins of my materials and excited by the physical process of turning the lost and the forgotten into something exquisite, glamorous and even wearable,” says Alexandra. “The sense of history and knowledge that people have handled and used my materials many years ago is extremely important to me, and I like to imagine that something of their spirit becomes invested in my work.”

“My works also have the added dimension of sustainability, a value shared by other Made by Hands of Britain artisans.”

“Alexandra’s jewellery and paintings are wonderful creations to adorn the person and home,” says Gillian Montegrande, founder of Made by Hands of Britain. “I am honoured that she has joined us and pleased that our site will be able to further showcase her works of art and
make them more accessible to today’s more thoughtful, discerning and environmentally aware consumers.”

Made by Hands of Britain Supports UK Handmade in their Buy Handmade campaign.

As part of the Buy Handmade campaign, UK Handmade are inviting websites selling and promoting handmade and owners of bricks and mortar shops selling handmade to curate special collections of finds to promote the diverse range of work produced up and down this fair isle! Today we are pleased to welcome Made By Hands of Britain!

About: Made By Hands of Britain aims to become the Ultimate Resource for those who have the skill, care, passion and dedication to produce things by hand, which are unique in style and of the finest quality… for those who aspire to and for those who seek them out". Products and services ranging from Ceramics to Food through to Furniture and Buildings and everything in between, as long as it is of a high quality and handmade using raw materials sourced from (wherever possible) and made within the British Isles.

The collection: In bringing these makers to your attention, we have tried to show the sheer diversity, variety and skill in what people want and are able to create. How different makers are drawn to different materials, to ultimately express themselves in a way that we can benefit from by owning something which says as much about us as it does about them.

Roberta Mason of Blue Chromis Glass

Carey Marvin of Let it Fray

Kylie Coles Contemporary Woodturner

Owen Davies of Ov Guitars

Alexandra Abraham Jewellery

Edward Waites Sculpture

Katja's Kupcakes

Mathew Marlow of The Custom Made English Saddle Co

Made By Hands of Britain feel passionately about promoting and championing the excellence that is British art, produce and craftsmanship with an aim to preserving or reviving those skills and industries (which might otherwise disappear for good, due to a lack of devotees), as well as creating an effective commercial platform for those whose work we all covet, traditional or contemporary, simply because it is handmade. Made by Hands of Britain also finds, encourages and nurtures future hand makers and processes, by providing comprehensive resources and information about workshops, courses and apprenticeships available throughout the British Isles, to ensure the perpetuation and vitality of the Handmaking Industry.

Made by Hands of Britain featured in Homes and Antiques

Made by Hands of Britain featured on Homes and Bargains

Win A Made by Hands of Britain Foodie Father’s Day Hamper

The Culinary Guide has teamed up with Made by Hands of Britain to offer one lucky reader a Foodie Fathers’ Day Indulgence Hamper full of goodies worth over £350. 

New and exclusive to The Culinary Guide, the Made by Hands of Britain Hamper is filled with a superb selection of handmade foods and kitchen products.

The Foodie Fathers Day Indulgence Hamper includes: Honeybuns Homemade Cakes Gift Box, A selection of boxed chocolates from renowned chocolatiers, Simply Cocoa, The Highland Chocolatier, Hot Chocolates and J&A Fergusons,  a Gift Voucher for a 9” bespoke cake from Cheshire based Katja’s Cupcakes, a divine small ceramic bowl from Baslow Pottery and a Slipware Coffee Mug from Alsager Pottery for Dad’s special breakfast, a Gift Voucher from the family-run premium online butcher Boston Sausage, a three case of beer from Otley Brewery, a bottle of hand pressed Cider from Tardebigge, a handcrafted wooden pickle/jam spoon from artisan Nic Webb and the ultimate Kitchen Scissors from Ernest Wright & Son.

MadebyHandsofBritain.com is the definitive online resource for sourcing items for Home & Garden from some of Britain’s finest artisans and craftspeople.

Everything from furniture and home accessories to textiles, sculpture and desirable handmade gifts, this online directory showcases beautiful buys for home and garden. There are even resources for those thinking of taking up a handmade skill, whether it be to boost the coffers or simply for pleasure. Made by Hands of Britain really is the home of handmade.

Made by Hands of Britain featured in Countryside Magazine

Gareth Christopehr Jones is featured in Cheshire Life

Gareth Christopehr Jones of Northern Ignorance and Carved Wood and a Made by Hands of Britain Maker has, not surprisingly been featured in Cheshire Life.

The skills and techniques he employs have changed little in centuries and the quality and  stunning beauty of the finished product, in my opinion surpasses anything that can be produced today by more modern methods.

You can see his work here and here  and you can read the full Cheshire Life article here

Made by Hands of Britain is now a :

                                       

Gillian Montegrande Nominated for prestigious NSPCC Cheshire Women of the Year in the Business and Community Category.

Gillian with another participant

It was an extreme honour to be nominated for such a prestigious award, even more so when my fellow nominees were truly inspiring and dedicated people.

A lovely day was had by all in sumptuous surroundings, courtesy of their graces, the Duke and Duchess of Westminster.

Once again it is very humbling to realise that other people value what I am trying to do in the name of British Art and Craftsmanship. Thank you.

Chris Topp Blackmiths Complete Intricate Wrought Iron Screen For 900 Year Old Ely Cathedral

Made by Hands of Britain-featured-blacksmith, Chris Topp and team complete important screen designed by artist and medieval architecture expert John Maddison for Ely Cathedral’s Lady Chapel.

19 March 2011 – Blacksmith Chris Topp and his team have completed construction of the new ecclesiastical screen commissioned for Ely Cathedral’s Lady Chapel. Designed by Cambridgeshire-based artist and medieval architecture expert John Maddison, the project is the largest piece of elaborate ecclesiastical wrought iron created by the company in its 30-year history and is believed to be the largest piece of new ironwork placed in 900-year old Ely Cathedral for nearly two centuries.

The wrought iron used to construct John Maddison’s modern design was re-rolled from ancient large wrought iron chains raised from the seabed of the former Gibraltar naval dockyard.  Measuring 5 metres high by 5 metres wide, the screen has been cleverly designed and arranged to show off the remains of an early fourteenth century reredos carved into the Chapel wall.

Chris Topp & Co Ltd., founded in 1980 and based in Yorkshire, has the distinction of being the only blacksmith company in the world today still rolling and supplying genuine wrought iron. The team specialises in the design and crafting of high quality architectural metalwork including bespoke gates, staircases, railings and handrails for private homes and important buildings.

“It has been a privilege for my company to have been commissioned to undertake this work and an honour for the talented group of blacksmiths working with me,” said founder Chris Topp. “We are proud to think that our new screen could remain in the cathedral for centuries.”

Chris Topp is one of nearly 200 specialist artisans featured on Made by Hands of Britain , the new online marketplace which showcases contemporary, traditional and heritage British craft. The site features a wide range of specialist items and services including art and sculpture, interior furniture and accessories, garden structures and ornaments, food and drink, clothing, stained glass and architectural metalwork. 

The screen for Ely Cathedral has been fashioned in the traditional manner, emulating the high standard of craftsmen working in wrought iron for centuries and rarely practiced today. There is no modern electric welding of joints, instead the time-honoured use of wedges has been employed.

Article about Made by Hands of Britain included in the latest edition of Craft Business February 2011

Cheshire Life Coverage February 2011

Made by Hands of Britain features in The Lady, January 2011

Homegrown Craft

"In a world of homogenised, mass-produced, disposable items there's something particularly wonderful about a beautifully crafted, quality handmade product. Gillian Montegrande, creator of madebyhandsofbritain.com, chooses the artisans to look out for in 2011"

Please go to http://www.lady.co.uk/homegrown_craft to see more.

Cheshire Rural Women's Award for Business 2010, presented to Gillian Montegrande in recognition for her efforts in setting up Made by Hands of Britain

I am delighted to announce that I have been awarded the Cheshire Rural Women's Award for 2010.

It is an extreme honour to be recognised for one's efforts but as with most things these things are rarely acheived on one's own.

I would therefore like to thank firstly: Cheshire East Council and Blue Orchid for deeming me to be a worthy candidate; Holden and Son's, the very capable team behind the building of the wonderful website you see before you, my family for their undying support and especially to my husband whose idea this was.

I only hope I can and will indeed endeavour to continue to prove myself worthy of such an honour.

The Award kindly presented to me by Erika Wenzel, Cheif Executive Cheshire East Council