1970s
Our founders, Joe & Christine embark on a three year road trip from the UK via Portugal to India, eventually ending in South Africa. They collect antiques and artefacts along their journey and send them home.
Upon returning they sell their wares from a suitcase of samples to independent retailers. Joe begins importing glass paraffin lamps and Butchers Scales sized from 6 inches to 6 feet tall from Portugal. Christine navigates and writes out delivery notes whilst Joe drives and delivers.
1980s
We exhibit at our first trade show in Blackpool with a horsebox for transport and trestle table for display. A name is needed and ‘The Libra Scale Company’ is born. Joe and Christine look to recruit.
Amazed by Alistair’s ability to sell Libra’s products within Belgravia’s Copper Mine store, Joe asks Alistair to join Libra as Sales Director and he agrees. Joe spots an opportunity to manufacture scales in Britain and sets up a production line in Nuthampsted, Hertfordshire. Libra goes on to produce over 2 million kitchen scales.
1990s
Libra broadens its product range with the ambition of becoming the leading wholesaler in the UK. Joe’s entrepreneurial flair and desire for sustainability come to fruition when he discovers an innovative way to use the offcuts from an Indonesian wooden bed-making factory. Libra’s mahogany handicraft business goes on to sell over 80000 products all made using by-products from ‘Forest Alliance sustainable’ wood.
2000s
Joe’s son Paul becomes MD following Joe’s untimely death. Helped by Alistair and the fantastic team at Libra, Paul continues to drive the business forward with the same determination as his father. Libra exhibits at its 150th trade show and opens its first concession.
2010s
Libra continues on its mission to build a brand and a partnership forms with Fenwick opening concessions across England. Paul follows in Joe’s footsteps sourcing antiques from India and Libra ‘originals’ is born. The business moves to its current location enabling expansion of its showrooms and supporting future growth aspirations.
2020s
Alistair completes his 48th year as Sales Director and five further team members reach twenty years’ service. Libra launches its Icons collection featuring 50 products from the 50 years.
After half a century, our passion, knowledge and instinct to source and develop bold, beautifully crafted products for the home is stronger than ever. Still family-owned, we continue our founding mission to inspire customers with great designs and quality products from around the world.
Our Mission
Libra’s mission has always remained the same: to bring style, beauty and unique design to home. That’s why we work with designers, makers and studios from around the world to deliver a broad and exciting product selection.
We aim to provide our own distinctive and unique take on the latest trends, all grounded in our uniquely craft-based supply chain. The result is that every Libra product has a luxurious look and quality feel that cannot be found elsewhere. Delivering the latest trends, timeless pieces and exceptional quality, whatever your interior design style.
Our Makers
Many of our pieces are handcrafted with traditional techniques and natural materials, resulting in high-quality, one-of-a-kind products you can be proud of.
Using heritage skills, Libra makers produce beautiful furniture and accessories that meet the highest quality standards. Our products are made using the latest technologies and finest raw materials to ensure they last and grow better with age.
The Libra Look
Our buyers travel the globe to find unusual and authentic products and collections from the world’s best makers. We also design many of our own unique pieces, all of which embody the distinctive Libra look.
We don’t subscribe to one single aesthetic. Libra’s look is defined by multi-layered designs, across a variety of styles.
When you shop with us, we want you to feel bold, confident and inspired, selecting from themes that best suit your own style.
Our expert team are here with support and advice to help you bring exceptional style into your home and achieve the look you want.
Our Approach
With half a century of history behind us, we have always been focused on treating our customers, suppliers and employees with respect, care and fairness. We believe this results in a motivated workforce, loyal suppliers and happy customers.
We operate with these principles across all of our operations and only work with suppliers that can evidence the same values and principles in their own companies. We actively seek out suppliers who are members of ethical trade organisations such as Sedex, which is a worldwide mark of ethical manufacturing, ensuring good conditions and fair pay for employees.
This means our customers can be confident that their purchases are coming from sources that do good in the world.
Managing Director, The Libra Company and Libra Interiors
