WHERE WE’VE COME FROM
We are a third-generation, British family business with a history that goes back forty five years. Founded by the late Cedric Collier in May 1977 who practised casting as a hobby after an initial interest in woodwork, he began by producing handles and brass mounts for the antique trade.
From humble beginnings in a shed in the back garden of Founder, Cedric Collier, the company grew rapidly in size and reputation. Within a few years Cedric could no longer work on his own, and it was then that son, Geoff, joined the team to work alongside his father. By the nineties, the pair had made significant strides forward in the growth of the business and decided to make the move to a new barn location in Hooe with nearly 30 employees. In 2005 under the direction of son Geoff Collier, whose knowledge and skills were attracting the attention of world class designers and architects, Collier Webb moved its Foundry to its current location on the South Coast of England.
With the luxury market now alert to the unmatched skills of Collier Webb in lighting and furniture making, we cemented our position with a London presence. In 2011, with business partner Andrew Webb, a Sotheby’s trained and renowned interior designer, Geoff opened the Collier Webb Gallery, on London’s Fulham Road, later moving to our current site on Pimlico Road.
1977
One Man Band
Cedric Collier started metal casting as a hobby in Catsfield after an initial interest in woodwork. He quickly fell in love with the methodology of sand casting and decided to offer his services for small-scale projects, self-named as “One Man Band”.
1980s
One Man and His Band
The business took off to a flying start and within a few years Cedric could no longer work on his own. It was then that son, Geoff, joined the team and the pair worked on many projects for engineering companies and restorers. In line with the growth of the company, the slogan changed to “One Man & His Band”.
1990s
Succession: Father to Son
By the nineties, Cedric and Geoff’s work was increasingly recognised by many leading Interior Designers and Architectural Firms who valued the quality and excellence in the products and services. Geoff took over the business and by the end of the decade they were in a new location in Hooe with up to 30 employees.
2000s
Sussex Coastal Foundry
With the expansion of the business continuing at an exponential rate under Geoff’s direction, the decision was made to move the Foundry to its current location in Eastbourne, East Sussex, with the acquisition of two units.
During this period Geoff’s daughter, Danielle, began working across a wide range of departments within the business, learning the secrets of the trade and gaining first-hand experience in Foundry processes.
Early 2010s
Becoming Collier Webb
The late Andrew Webb, a Sotheby’s trained and renowned interior designer, joined Geoff as a business partner and together they’ve rebranded as Collier Webb and opened a gallery on London’s Fulham Road, later moving to the current showroom site on Pimlico Road in the heart of London’s finest interior design district.
This decade saw the opening of the brand’s third unit specialising in CNC machining and fabrication, to produce a higher quality of work for clients, as well as support the Foundry’s global endeavours to stay at the forefront of the luxury craft industry.
Late 2010s
A New British Heritage Partnership
The Edward Alexander Group acquired Collier Webb to increase their portfolio of home design companies devoted to nurturing the evolution of the brand and ensuring British craft thrives within the UK and internationally.
With their support, the business unveiled its second London location at Europe’s largest design centre, The Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour to showcase their signature collection of Lighting, Furniture and Hardware.
2020s
Onwards and Upwards
Having started life at Collier Webb over 11 years ago in a multi-faceted role, Danielle Collier was made Deputy Managing Director in 2021 and plays a crucial part in the growth of the business, with now over 70 people in the organisation.
Big plans are ahead for Collier Webb as the business continues to excel year on year. From enhancing the processes within the Foundry to launching new collections, this decade has already seen exceptional progress with visions of further expansion already being implemented. With ongoing support, extensive knowledge and resources from the Edward Alexander Group, Collier Webb is well positioned as guardians of British heritage.
WHERE WE’RE GOING
In July 2018 we unveiled a new-look Collier Webb, with the relaunch of our showroom in the heart of London’s luxury design district. Carefully designed to be the perfect place to meet, talk and collaborate on all things interiors, our showroom showcases the very best of Collier Webb.
In September 2019 we opened our second London showroom, this time at Europe’s largest design centre, the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour.
While our products and processes are continually evolving and are being appreciated in many different locations around the globe, our values remain the same.
The Collier family heritage continues, with Geoff and the team supported today by his daughter, Danielle Collier. And, as it has been for the last forty five years, every piece that leaves our Foundry displays a unique handcrafted appeal and wears a promise of quality that is pure Collier Webb.