The Inspiring Story of Laura Ashley Furniture – 70 Years of Timeless British Design
1953 – The Beginning of a Timeless Vision
Born in rural Dowlais, South Wales, Laura Ashley grew up surrounded by the natural beauty and simplicity of countryside life. Her early exposure to textiles and fabrics inspired a lifelong passion for design. While working at the Women’s Institute, she became fascinated by traditional crafts and aimed to reinvent the art of patchwork quilting, combining creativity with practicality — a foundation that would shape her future brand.
1954 – The First Step into Creation
With a small investment of just £10, Laura and her husband Bernard Ashley bought wood for a printing screen, fabric, and dyes. At her kitchen table, Laura began hand-printing tea towels and headscarves, marking the humble beginning of what would become one of Britain’s most beloved lifestyle brands.
1955 – Growth through Craftsmanship
Over the next few years, Laura and Bernard worked tirelessly, producing nearly 300 yards of hand-printed fabric each day. Each design reflected her passion for neoclassical patterns and detailed craftsmanship. Among her early creations was a beautifully printed tablecloth, now recognized as a classic piece from the brand’s early years.
1959 – From Aprons to Recognition
In the late 1950s, Laura designed her first gardening apron and smock, which became an instant success. This breakthrough product caught the attention of The London Sunday Times, giving Laura Ashley her first mention in the fashion press and officially introducing her work to the wider British audience.
1960’s – Expanding into Fashion
Encouraged by early success, Laura Ashley began exploring fashion design. Her collections blended the charm of ’60s and ’70s fashion with her signature English countryside romance, creating styles that felt nostalgic yet modern. As the business flourished, the Ashley family relocated to Carno, Wales, close to Laura’s childhood home, where both their family and company grew together.
1971 – A New Creative Vision
In 1971, Laura and Bernard’s daughter Jane Ashley joined the company as its in-house photographer. Her artistic eye helped define the brand’s iconic image through beautifully captured campaigns — some of which continue to inspire Laura Ashley collections today.
1980’s – Global Recognition & Enduring Legacy
By the early 1980s, Laura Ashley had become a household name in home décor and fashion. The brand released its first Home Catalogue in 1981, available in multiple languages — a reflection of its growing international popularity. In 1983, The Laura Ashley Book of Home Furnishings was published, influencing global interior design trends.
Sadly, in 1985, Laura Ashley passed away. Her creativity and warmth continue to inspire the brand’s work, ensuring her timeless vision remains at the heart of every collection.
2000 – Entering the Digital Era
The year 2000 marked a new chapter as the Laura Ashley website launched, expanding the brand’s reach online. Alongside, the Laura Ashley Archive was established, preserving thousands of historical fabrics, prints, and designs — a tribute to the brand’s rich heritage and artistic journey.
2019 – Present: Reviving the Classics
In 2019, Laura Ashley’s iconic fashion pieces from the 1970s and 1980s were reintroduced through a collaboration with Urban Outfitters, capturing a new generation’s admiration. Subsequent partnerships with Rag & Bone and Barbour in 2020 celebrated the brand’s authenticity and timeless appeal.
In 2021, a collaboration with New York designer Batsheva brought a modern twist to vintage Laura Ashley designs — a full-circle moment, as Batsheva herself had once recreated her favorite Laura Ashley dress.
2023 – Present: 70 Years of British Heritage
In 2023, Laura Ashley proudly celebrated 70 years of design excellence with a special edition collection inspired by its archival prints and patterns. In January 2025, the brand entered a new era after being acquired by Marquee Brands, joining a world-renowned portfolio that includes Martha Stewart, Sur La Table, and other global lifestyle icons.
Today, Laura Ashley continues to honor its founder’s legacy — blending classic British elegance with modern living, and inspiring homes and wardrobes around the world.