A luxury homeware brand that worked with royalty has collapsed after 56 years in business.
Designers Guild, founded in 1970 by Tricia Guild and co-owned by her brother Simon Jeffreys, announced its closure after entering administration.
The London-based company, known for its luxury furnishing fabrics, wallcoverings, upholstery and bed and bath collections, served as the exclusive licensee for the Royal Collection Fabrics and Wallpapers, which meant Tricia Guild and her team were given exclusive access to royal properties like Windsor Castle and royal archives.
Tricia Guild, co-founder of Designers Guild, said: "It is with great sadness that, after 56 wonderful years, my brother Simon Jeffreys and I are closing the doors of Designers Guild Ltd.
"Designers Guild Ltd has been so much more than a business to me.
"It's my passion and life's work.
"The brand was built over decades with an unswerving belief in the power of creative design and a constant striving to achieve only the very best.
"Together we created and developed the idea of lifestyle, year after year seeking to bring into existence the most beautiful designs possible.
"We've been supported in the UK, Europe, and worldwide by our wonderful and loyal clients for over 50 years."
The company’s flagship store was located on King’s Road in London, with showrooms also in Paris, Munich, and Stockholm.
Administrators Rick Harrison and Howard Smith from Interpath have been appointed to manage the company’s assets and next steps.
Ms Guild said: "All of the makers who translate our designs into beautiful fabrics, wallpapers, furniture, products, and more have enduring respect.
"Their skill and talent are always amazing and hugely appreciated.
"However, recently years have brought a succession of challengers to the business.
"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts by our team and others over numerous months, we've not been able to find a way forward, and this is a source of huge regret and sorrow for us."
Ms Guild reflected on the legacy of the brand, saying: "While we're closing the business, we hope the many positive and happy memories will be the ones that stay with us.
"The gorgeous fabrics, wonderful interiors, photoshoots in the most inspiring places around the world, daring and successful product launches, the opening of showrooms in Paris, Stockholm, and Munich, the gradual growth and development of the King's Road store.
"But most importantly, the many lovely times spent with colleagues, suppliers, clients, and friends over the years, and the thought that, in some small way, I have brought colour into people's lives.
"Above all, I'm proud of the lasting legacy that Designers Guild Ltd leaves in homes around the world."
Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: "For over 50 years, Designers Guild Ltd has been one of the UK’s most recognised and respected names in the world of interior design, so it is tremendously sad that the business has not been able to overcome its recent challenges.
"As a matter of priority, we will be supporting those members of staff who have been impacted by insolvency, while we also explore options for the Company’s remaining assets, including leftover stock."
The company also collaborated with a network of skilled suppliers, from village producers in rural India to sophisticated contemporary mills in Italy.
