ASPINAL OF LONDON
STORY SO FAR
Founded in 2001 (some sources say 2002) by British entrepreneur Iain Burton, who had previously built a business supplying audio guides and museum gifts to institutions including the National Gallery, the Louvre and the Vatican. Aspinal grew out of that museum-gift line — initially handmade leather stationery and keepsake pieces — before expanding into a full luxury leather house covering handbags, small leather goods, travel goods, gifts and stationery. The brand sits in the affordable-luxury bracket alongside the likes of Mulberry and is known for bold colour, contemporary classic shapes and named bags that have become recognisable through royal and celebrity use (notably the Mayfair, Lottie, Midi Mayfair and Trunk styles). Aspinal remains privately owned and chaired by Iain Burton, with creative direction from Mariya Dykalo, and is headquartered in Fernhurst, near Midhurst, on the edge of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex.
DESIGNED BY
In-house Aspinal of London design team headquartered in Fernhurst, West Sussex (Midhurst, on the edge of the South Downs National Park), led by founder/chairman Iain Burton and creative director Mariya Dykalo. UK-based: Yes.
MADE BY
Per the brand and independent reviewers: Aspinal designs in the UK and produces a small dedicated 'Made in England' collection in the UK, but the bulk of its core leather range is manufactured in Europe and Asia by named partner workshops — historically including Ubrique in Andalusia (Spain), specialist factories in Turkey and additional production in India. The brand does not publish a parts-by-percentage or country-by-country split per product, and reviewers (e.g. Tanner Leatherstein / PEGAI) have noted that country of origin is not always disclosed at SKU level. Leathers used include Italian full-grain calf and saffiano, plus exotic skins on select pieces.
TO BUY
Further information
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspinal_of_London
Further research reading
Region Made
Fernhurst / Midhurst, West Sussex (HQ and design); 'Made in England' capsule UK-made; mainstream production overseas
