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Home
Spotlight On
Beautiful Homes
Meet The Team
Behind the Name
Our Showrooms
Visit Jim Lawrence Website
Made By Us
  • Home
  • Spotlight On
  • Beautiful Homes
  • Meet The Team
  • Behind the Name
  • Our Showrooms
  • Visit Jim Lawrence Website
  • Made By Us
Jim Lawrence Blog - Jim Lawrence Blog
Meet The Team

Meet The Jim Lawrence Lampshade Makers

Naturally we like to showcase the finished product as a brand, but what about what goes on behind the scenes? Because, if we’re honest… a great amount does! We’ve met several makers on the blog, but think it’s high time we introduce our own. We want to start with our talented Soft Furnishings team who make your Jim Lawrence lampshades in our Suffolk workshop.

All Jim Lawrence lampshades that you see online are individually handmade, including any ready made designs and made to order styles. This means every one that we lovingly send out to you is that bit more personal, which is why we want to introduce you to the lovely people behind them. We catch up with Supervisor Julie to ask a few questions…


Firstly, can you tell us who makes up the team?

I’m Julie, the one who manages the team, checks stock in and out and allocates the production orders as well as helping the others to make whatever soft furnishings are required. We have Shaun, who is based in the workshop, and makes all our wire frames. There’s Tony who cuts out and laminates the card panels we use for our different stocked shade shapes. Emma, Charlene, Vikkie and Jackie are our shade makers and Gill and Vonny who make our curtains, blinds and cushions as well as shades.

What does a typical work day look like in the soft furnishings department?

I’m generally in at 7.30 with the rest of the team starting at 8.30. I’ll have a daily production meeting where we prioritise the day’s jobs with any urgent orders first and the Made to Order and standard stocked items to follow. The team will come in and pick up their production order sheets and start making their shades straight away.

How many shades do you make a week?

On average I’d say about 300 to 500. When I first started working at Jim Lawrence it was a lot less because we used to have to do every single stage by hand, from measuring out and cutting the wire frame to cutting and laminating the card, whereas now we have machines to help us.

In an age where many of us are sat behind computer screens, it must be rewarding to be making something creative with your hands. Do you all have a background in sewing and crafting?

Funnily enough, with the exception of Vonny who has worked as a seamstress previously, and Tony who had his own lampshade business, none of us have a background in sewing and crafting, although we all enjoyed doing a bit as a past time. I like crafting things, Gill used to make her children’s clothes, Charlene customises a lot of her clothes and Becca made her own curtains.

Jim was one of Tony’s customers and loved his shades so much that when there was an opportunity Jim bought the business and Tony came with it! I was a self-employed landscape gardener before I came to Jim Lawrence, Gill and Vonny were dinner ladies, June worked in catering and then stone carving while Emma was a playground assistant.

Do you notice certain trends coming through with the soft furnishings orders? What is the most popular style you tend to make?

Candle shades are always the most popular because you generally need a few of them for your wall lights. The run up to Christmas is our busiest time of year for all shades, but particularly for candles. We notice trends in fabric more. Soft furnishing fashions usually follow trends in paint colours so neutrals have been popular for ages, along with grey and plain fabrics. Our tweeds and velvet’s are more popular in winter with lighter linens and cotton coming into their own during the summer. As for prints, our Honey Bees fabric is popular at the moment, along with our other Ratty Golightly country collection.

With over a thousand shade and fabric combinations available, what is your favourite Jim Lawrence material to work with?

I love the Hunstanton velvets as they are a beautiful fabric to work with, not only because they are so nice to handle but because they also cut and glue well. They make amazing shades. I also like our Featherdown because it is basically a neutral but with soft, subtle colours that look particularly good on a shade or cushion.

Other than lampshades, what bespoke soft furnishing orders come through your department?

We don’t make as many bespoke soft furnishings as we used to because of time constraints, but I remember one order we had to make a shade out of horsehair! We also had a request for a shade using antique napkins with initials on and once had a large order for waterproof, canvas shades for a house in Barbados that were shipped over on a private jet. We’ve also made shades for the Duchy of Cornwall and Clarence House among some of our more famous clients.

Finally, many of our employees have been here long term, including most of you! What’s the best part of working for a family business like Jim Lawrence?

We love the fact that we work in relatively small teams at Jim Lawrence so it is easy to settle in and get to know everyone. Because most of us have worked here a long time. We’re good friends as well as colleagues and know what we need to do every day with very little direction which means we work productively in a relaxed, easy atmosphere. Our workspace is also fantastic, really light, bright and airy – even in winter – which makes it a pleasure to come to work. Also, Jim allows us to bring our dogs in, as long as they are well behaved, which is a huge bonus!

You can browse all the gorgeous Jim Lawrence lampshades Julie and the team make, as well as a wealth of sumptuous fabrics for curtains and blinds on our website or in our Suffolk and Bath Showrooms.

Don’t forget to tag us in your interior updates on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook – we love seeing our products in their new homes.

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Welcome to the Jim Lawrence Style Journal.

We are a British interiors company creating beautiful lighting, ironwork and home furnishings from our Suffolk workshop.

This is where we share ideas that we love, show sneak peeks behind the scenes of our brand and offer a unique insight into classic design.

jimlawrencemade

Jim Lawrence Lighting & Home
Whether it’s a favourite armchair or a quiet cor Whether it’s a favourite armchair or a quiet corner of the sofa, having a comfortable nook at home is an autumn–winter essential.⁠
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This season, enjoy the gentle flicker of candlelight as the evenings settle in, curled beneath the comforting weight of a woollen throw.⁠
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No matter how you style your space, a scented candle is the finishing touch that brings it all together. We’ve chosen the Charles Farris Scented Candle in 'Elizabeth' to complete this cosy corner. Its blend of orange blossom, jasmine, bergamot, and mulberries evokes the richness and fruitfulness of the season.⁠
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Shop the full look (and scent) by tapping the Autumn Reflections button in our bio 🍂
As night falls, it's a comfort coming home to an i As night falls, it's a comfort coming home to an inviting glow from the house. With us, you'll find the right outdoor lighting to make that welcome even warmer.⁠
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Handcrafted from antiqued brass with a hand-blown glass shade and industrial-style cage, our bestselling Wall Mounted Ship's Light is inspired by vintage deck lights once found on ocean liners.⁠
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Perfect for porches, gardens, and outbuildings, this timeless design is carefully crafted in our Suffolk workshops. Like all our lights, it's made with an eye for detail and quality that lasts. ⁠
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Explore more outdoor lighting options at jim-lawrence.co.uk.
Create a snug retreat for darker mornings and long Create a snug retreat for darker mornings and longer evenings with rich textures, gentle lighting, and thoughtful details.⁠

We lean to warmer russets within our accessories this season, reaching for Burnt Orange velvet for its depth of colour and richness, and contrasting it with Mole for a soothing soft grey embrace that brings balance.

Paired with the natural softness of wool and relaxed weave of linen, the setting creates a modern rustic look that feels both grounded and inspiring.

From scented beeswax candles, handblown glass vases, and the soothing tones of beeswax and matt black, each piece brings texture and character to the home, inviting you to slow down, settle in, and enjoy the wind-down to winter.

Tap the ‘Autumn reflections’ button via the link in our bio to shop three new seasonal looks 🍂
Our bestselling glass domed shades are now availab Our bestselling glass domed shades are now available with Matt Black fittings. ⁠
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Available in two sizes - the Chalford and Walcot - this ceiling light can be hung in a row above an island, or suspended solitarily as a statement piece. Both are supplied with our Fordham Ceiling Rose and a matching flex, and the Chalford with a discreet chain to support the weight of the larger shade.⁠
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Because we like to help you achieve your perfect look, whilst each design comes with a fixed flex length, these can be easily shortened on installation. Should you require a longer drop, our pendant length guide is available on the relevant product pages, offering clear instructions for customising the length to your needs.⁠
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Visit jim-lawrence.co.uk to shop each look.⁠
For many years now we have teamed up with @lovatmi For many years now we have teamed up with @lovatmill, based in the Scottish Border town of Hawick and known as the Home of Tweed; where the artisan craftsmen follow in the footsteps of generations of Tweed makers to create beautiful contemporary fabrics.⁠
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Taking inspiration from the rich colours of the surrounding countryside, Lovat Mill design and weave wool of the highest quality. Their fabrics incorporate between five and forty individual colours to produce a range of herringbones and checks that will add subtle reflections of the natural world to your home interior.⁠
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Our throws from Lovat Mill are cosy additions to your beds, sofas, and armchairs, bringing true heritage style to your scheme in a choice of beautiful colours. Discover more at jim-lawrence.co.uk
Such is the popularity of our Carrick wall light t Such is the popularity of our Carrick wall light that we have designed a pendant version to suspend alongside them. This striking three-armed ceiling pendant channels a mid-century look that that is simple enough to suit most spaces, with clean structured lines and a sculptural look. ⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to browse every iteration of this bestselling design, from plug-ins, pendants, and pull-cords.⁠
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Kitchens hold the rhythm of daily life, and good l Kitchens hold the rhythm of daily life, and good lighting helps to shape how this space feels morning to night. Glass lighting diffuses light in this essential area, creating a bright and open feel which is ideal for busy, multifunctional spaces. Clear, frosted, or textured glass offers a timeless look that complements both classic and contemporary kitchen design while enhancing natural light.⁠
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If you love the look of the Orla pendant (as chosen here by @baile_na_leice) but want to explore more options, tap these images via the link in our bio to browse our full collection of handblown glass pendant lighting.
Take a quiet moment 🕯️⁠ ⁠ Create a snug r Take a quiet moment 🕯️⁠
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Create a snug retreat for darker mornings and longer evenings with rich textures, gentle lighting, and thoughtful details.⁠
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A well-placed lamp casts a comforting glow, while natural materials bring warmth and added charm. Whether it’s a favourite armchair or a quiet corner of the sofa, having a comfortable nook at home is an autumn–winter essential.⁠
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Tap these images via the link in our bio to explore our full home furnishings collection.
Set within a Grade II listed home dating back to t Set within a Grade II listed home dating back to the 1600s, each space from @_our_housetohome_ blends historic character with timeless design.⁠
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Nat captures a range of our designs at their best. Showcasing the warmth and elegance of our lighting from mid-century chandeliers, more subtle sconces, and statement glass, her styling choices are a true reflection of how lighting transforms a house into a home.⁠
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Visit her profile to indulge in more imagery, and visit us at jim-lawrence.co.uk to shop each look.
ALL DATES SOLD OUT We are holding a lampshade mak ALL DATES SOLD OUT

We are holding a lampshade making workshop in our Suffolk showroom, giving you the rare opportunity to create your own lampshade to take home.⁠
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Join us the 15th October and create your own timeless piece by hand whilst guided by our expert makers.⁠
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Places are £65 per person for groups of up to 8 people and include:⁠
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-A 35cm wide cylinder shade in a fabric of your choice (excluding faux silk)⁠
-Jim Lawrence workshop tour.⁠
-£10 discount voucher to spend in the showroom on the day⁠
-Refreshments⁠
-A curated Jim Lawrence gift bag with thoughtful take-home pieces⁠
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Tap the ‘Tickets’ button via the link in our bio to secure your place today.
Last week, we welcomed our friends and family to c Last week, we welcomed our friends and family to celebrate the opening of our new London showroom on Pimlico Road.⁠ It may not be big, but it holds everything you need to understand our passion for quality and design.⁠
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To visit and browse our collection in person, find us at 94 Pimlico Road, London, SW1W 8PL. If you want to chat to us in advance about what’s on display, please call us on 01473 826945.⁠
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We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Based in Henley-on-Thames and working across the H Based in Henley-on-Thames and working across the Home Counties and London, Anna Moss is the founder of @mosslivinginteriors, known for creating elegant, timeless spaces with personality. ⁠
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Her love of interiors began in childhood, trailing through antique shops and soaking up inspiration from her family studio. After a decade in marketing, she took the leap and launched her own practice in 2019 and hasn’t looked back. Today, Anna’s designs blend classic foundations with contemporary touches, always tailored to the lives and stories of her clients.⁠
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Tap the blog link in our bio to see more.
We are holding two lampshade making workshops in o We are holding two lampshade making workshops in our Suffolk showroom, giving you the rare opportunity to create your own lampshade to take home.⁠
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Choose from the 15th October or the 20th November to join us and create your own timeless piece by hand whilst guided by our expert makers.⁠
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Places are £65 per person for groups of up to 8 people and include:⁠
⁠
-A 35cm wide cylinder shade in a fabric of your choice (excluding faux silk)⁠
-Jim Lawrence workshop tour.⁠
-£10 discount voucher to spend in the showroom on the day⁠
-Refreshments⁠
-A curated Jim Lawrence gift bag with thoughtful take-home pieces⁠
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Tap the ‘Tickets’ button via the link in our bio to secure your place today.
There's nothing like a crackling fire to make a ho There's nothing like a crackling fire to make a house feel like home. Our fireside collection is crafted in Suffolk using traditional ironwork techniques: simple, elegant, and made to last.⁠
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Explore our fire place accessories and companion tools by visiting jim-lawrence.co.uk
Whether it’s a row of wall lights casting soft p Whether it’s a row of wall lights casting soft pools of light, a statement pendant drawing the eye upward, or layered accents that highlight architectural details, good hallway lighting serves as a welcoming invitation to the rest of the home.⁠
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@coopersofsurreyltd has featured both our Morston wall lights and Conway pendant in matching Antiqued Brass to add warmth to this calming, neutral space. ⁠
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Visit jim-lawrence.co.uk to get the look.⁠
When thoughtfully placed, a mirror does more than When thoughtfully placed, a mirror does more than reflect: it amplifies natural light and creates a sense of space. Our collection is designed to transform any room, with a range of styles and finishes to suit every interior.⁠
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The Hepworth, as featured by @southernhomesuk, was made with dressing tables in mind. Crafted from solid steel and powder painted in matt black, metallic bronze, or plain ivory, this adjustable mirror with frame brings an elegance to every day routines.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to browse more designs.⁠
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Easy to fit without the need for internal wiring, Easy to fit without the need for internal wiring, plug-ins are a flexible solution for quick-fix fittings that have the same quality as a traditional light.⁠
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The vintage-style flex can be draped where you desire, with the in-line switch just in reach when you need it.⁠
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Our Carrick Light, pictured here, is thoughtfully designed and made in several beautiful iterations, offering a versatile option to suit a range of spaces and styles.⁠
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Discover more plug-in designs at jim-lawrence.co.uk.⁠
By hugging the ceiling, our collection of flush mo By hugging the ceiling, our collection of flush mount ceiling lighting offers a refined version of our most popular pendants, whilst maximising your existing ceiling height. Designed to provide even, ambient light without taking up too much space, they’re ideal for hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms like this one from @katherinetaylorinteriors.⁠
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The Shotley glass is handblown in Suffolk, and gently coaxed into its fluted form with a sweetly scalloped edge, available for flush mounted designs like this, or as wall and pendant lighting throughout the rest of the home.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to shop more flush inspiration for your daintier spaces.⁠
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Never underestimate the power of a well-placed tab Never underestimate the power of a well-placed table lamp. Whether it’s adding a warm glow to a reading nook or enhancing a hallway console, table lamps play a key role in restoring balance, and bringing a warmer atmosphere into your home.

The secret to a truly polished look is finding the perfect lampshade. Too big, and it overwhelms the base. Too small, and it will skew proportions.

Our simple guide to sizing your shades will help you get it just right, ensuring your table lamps feel in tune with the space around them. Tap this reel via the link in our bio to read more.
Nautical lighting design remains a popular choice Nautical lighting design remains a popular choice for outdoor spaces thanks to its blend of timeless coastal charm and practical durability. Originally crafted to withstand the harshest maritime conditions, these vintage-inspired looks offer both style and substance for enhancing exterior settings. ⁠
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Our award-winning Boathouse Light strikes this balance effortlessly. With its classic bell-shaped shade and curved swan neck arm, it brings a refined yet robust presence to any outdoor space, ensuring that it's an enduring favourite for all kinds of properties.⁠
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Tap this image via the link in our bio to browse our full outdoor collection.
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