Our Story

Over 130 Years of Heritage

At Dernier & Hamlyn, we honour British craftsmanship by creating bespoke lighting solutions that merge tradition with innovation. Each piece is crafted with artistry to illuminate spaces with elegance and uniqueness.

1888
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1970s
1980s
2000s
2020s
Future

1888

The Beginning

Our journey began in 1888 when Louis Dernier founded Louis Dernier & Co, crafting hand-decorated lampshades enhanced with fine silks from France and China.

1910s

Expansion and Recognition

By 1913, esteemed clients like Liberty and Maples decorated their spaces with our creations, featuring a catalogue of 120 pages showcasing over 700 distinctive lampshades and fittings.

1914-1918, The First World War prompted a shift, with our skilled workforce dedicating efforts to producing turnbuckle bolts for aircraft.

1920s

Prestigious Fitzrovia Premises

By 1924, our company secured a prestigious Fitzrovia premises, earning acclaim as London's preeminent destination for lampshades and light fittings.

1930s

Industry Trendsetters

Milestones such as a prominent presence at the Ideal Home Exhibition in 1930 and the successful launch of the "Litalux" range solidified our status as industry trendsetters.

The challenges of the early 1930s led to the establishment of Dernier & Hamlyn in 1931. Despite economic difficulties, the company thrived, transitioning from silk shade craftsmanship to the dominance of cast metalwork ranges.

1940s

The Second World War

During the Second World War, our adaptability shone as our factory became a hub for precision part production for vital wartime equipment. Over 40 men and 30 women worked tirelessly, contributing to the manufacturing of high-precision components for various military equipment.

1950s

Post-War Expansion

The post-war years saw the company's expansion in the 1950s, aided by the adoption of casting called ‘Slush Die Casting.’

1970s

Relocations to Putney and Wandsworth

In 1969, Dernier & Hamlyn moved to Willowbank Wharf in Putney, and in 1971, the company relocated to larger, more modern works in Kimber Road, Wandsworth.

1980s

Move to Lydden Road

In 1987, the company moved to 17 Lydden Road, Wandsworth, emphasising the commitment to producing the very best quality lighting fittings to the highest standards of design and construction.

2000s

Expansion to Purley Way

Responding to the expanding needs of our thriving business, another significant relocation occurred in 2002 to Purley Way in Croydon. This move facilitated the necessary space for our growing operations, ensuring that we could continue to meet and exceed the demands of our clientele.

2020s

Partnership with NVC Lighting Ltd

In 2020, Dernier & Hamlyn partnered with NVC Lighting Ltd, a global leader in professional lighting, marking a key milestone in our journey. Following this, we relocated to Barwell Business Park in Chessington, where our new design studio enables closer collaboration with interior designers, ensuring our lighting creations align with our clients' evolving visions.

Future

As we continue to enhance beautiful spaces with bespoke creations, our history is a testament to enduring quality, innovation, and a commitment to craftsmanship—an ethos that drives us into a future where luxury and artistry seamlessly blend.