Behind the scenes: Solidwool in the Lakes

You may have seen some of our new photography in recent months, earlier this year we visited the Lake District, (home of the Herdwick sheep) to shoot our new Hembury chair in the environment from which our wool comes. 

In late Spring we spent a fascinating, and slightly muddy few days in the Western Lakes near Thirlmere, on a farm where a young shepherd works the land safeguarding a 500 strong flock of Herdwick sheep.

We were able to see the Herdwick in their environment, and find out how this rugged terrain has been shaped by this breed for centuries. There is so much beauty in the landscape and the Herdwick. From the tough, resilient nature of the Herdwick breed to the remarkable natural beauty of their fleece - we see all these characteristics within the structure of our beautiful Solidwool composite.

We learned that without the Herdwick, the Lakes would be a very different place. This herd live high on the fells, and this young shepherd tends them in the place they have always been. Anyone who has been to the Lakes may have noticed the sparsity of stone walls, as the Herdwick roam over vast areas of England’s highest mountains. Some of these areas, known as ‘hefts’ have been established for centuries. The Herdwick’s natural instinct keeps them tethered to the place they have always known, the knowledge of their heft is passed on from ewe to lamb.  This is this reason around 95% of the breed are found within 14 miles of Coniston Water.

Life in the lakes for both the farmer and sheep can be harsh. At one point in time, Herdwick fleece was the most undervalued and lowest price wool in the UK, even today it remains hugely underappreciated. We were told of the struggles of selling these fleeces for a fair price, with many neighbouring farms resorting to burning their wool. 

It is stories like this that drive our passion for Solidwool. It doesn't just affect the Herdwick but many breeds all over the UK. Visiting the farms and people behind Solidwool we hope to spread the word of the importance of British wool and those who keep the production of this incredible material alive.

The Making of Solidwool

When explaining what goes into Solidwool, it may seem like the process and creation of this incredible composite is fairly simple - wool and bio-resin. However, it has taken years of trials (and errors) and finding just the right balance to make Soldwool what it is today; a complex, unique material that turns the way we work with wool on its head. It is now stronger and lighter, using twice as much wool with half the amount of bio-resin. Better for Solidwool and better for our planet.

Our beginnings came from finding a way to use design for good - and to showcase the remarkable beauty and unique visuality of Solidwool. So when it comes to its creation, we have a dedicated and skilled team who have perfected the art of making this unique material.

Made in Devon, Solidwool is expertly created using a number of complex quantities and precise methods. At every stage of its process our team shares a consciousness and sensitivity towards the value of craft, the appreciation of materials and how these are key in the values and creation of Solidwool. 

And with sustainability at the forefront of our mind, we are aware of every element that goes into our design. The wool we use is from the Herdwick sheep, a hardy breed whose fleece is seen as a by-product, but to us is a fleece in which we see beauty and soul - and that tells the story of Solidwool. And it is with our Hembury chair where we see this awareness towards materials and where they come from. Our wooden legs are made using sustainably sourced British Ash hand-turned in Somerset, and the frames are made using recycled steel expertly crafted in Peterborough. Each seat of our Solidwool chair is carefully shaped and hand-finished, with every Hembury assembled by a member of our small team. 

The making of Solidwool is a carefully considered process; with each step unrushed and methodical. We are here to master the craft of sustainable design, and that includes a patience and appreciation towards our materials and the environment from which they come. From the beginning of Solidwool, we set out to make design with beauty, conscience and soul - all of which goes into its creation from the people and materials involved in its making.