From humble beginnings to achieving the status of a global lifestyle brand.

Celebrating 70 years of design excellence, Laura Ashley is one of the world's most beloved home and lifestyle brands. Its journey began in 1953 when Laura and Bernard Ashley started hand-printing fabric in their small flat in Pimlico, inspired by an exhibition at the Women's Institute show at the V&A Museum. Relying on a rich design heritage and traditional values such as quality and originality, the Laura Ashley brand has been carefully nurtured to become synonymous with beauty and design. Our style is constantly evolving to remain distinctive and inspiring, reminiscent of the charming beauty of the British countryside and the timeless mood of peace and tranquility. Discover the story of how Laura Ashley began...

1953

The story begins

The story starts when Laura and Bernard Ashley begin printing textiles on their kitchen table in London. After investing 10 pounds in wood for the screen, fabric, and dyes, they print distinctive designs together, using techniques learned from books found in the library.

1954

Ashley Mountney Ltd

Ashley Mountney Ltd is founded. Bernard develops his first continuous printing machine with the aim of selling fabrics by the yard. The first Laura Ashley tea towels go into production.

1955

Old Burlington Street Exhibition Room

The exhibition room on Old Burlington Street opens with 200 accounts. The entire collection of tea towels is ordered by a company from San Francisco.

1957

The Ashleys move

The Ashleys move their business to Kent. Due to the success of their gardening aprons, they start producing work trousers, which are sold in the thousands. Export begins to Europe, the USA, and Australia.

1968

23 Pelham Street in London

23 Pelham Street in London is opened. Initially disappointed by the sales, Bernard places an ad in the metro featuring their youngest daughter, Emma. Within two days, there is a significant increase in the number of visitors.

1971

At the age of 18

At the age of 18, Jane Ashley is appointed as the company's photographer - her photography becomes synonymous with the brand's image.

1972

The famous bramble logo

Famous bramble logo is being created. Laura Ashley Paris store opens its doors.

1977

Laura Ashley Ltd receives the Queen's Award.

Laura Ashley Ltd receives the Queen's Award for Export Achievement. The company's 25th anniversary is celebrated with a Silver Jubilee ball.

1981

The first catalog is introduced.

The first catalog, 'The Decorator Collection of Home Furnishings,' is introduced. The catalog is 72 pages long and printed in four languages - English, French, German, and Dutch. Over 50,000 copies are printed.

1985

Laura Ashley dies.

Laura Ashley departs in September. An icon is lost. Laura Ashley Ltd is taken public, and it is oversubscribed 34 times

1988

Diana, Princess of Wales.

Diana, Walesi printsess, visits Texplan to support the opening of the factory. Employees and people of Wales celebrate her presence.

2000

Laura Ashley website launches.

The Laura Ashley website launches, allowing customers to make purchases online for the first time. The Laura Ashley archive is created, showcasing the brand's rich heritage and the depth of its product history over the years.

2013

Laura Ashley celebrates 60 years.

Laura Ashley celebrates 60 years by warmly reviving the beloved Bloomsbury collection.

2021

The story of Laura Ashley continues.

The story of Laura Ashley continues with an increasing number of brand partners who are furthering the Laura Ashley lifestyle. Laura Ashley proudly collaborates with NEXT to reintroduce the home collection online and in UK stores in the spring of 2021.

2023

This year, Laura Ashley proudly celebrates 70 years.

This year, Laura Ashley proudly celebrates 70 years of heritage. Delving deeply into the Laura Ashley archive, a special 70th-anniversary collection has been created to commemorate this milestone.