We are Clark & English
Passionate Design, Exceptional Service
At Clark & English, we’re more than just an interior design company – we’re your trusted partner in creating beautiful and functional spaces you’ll love. With a rich heritage in the industry and a team driven by creativity, we bring your vision to life, big or small.
Our Commitment to You
Expert Design
From traditional elegance to modern minimalism, our skilled designers translate your desires into stunning realities. We offer a full spectrum of services, including upholstery in both classic and contemporary styles.
Quality Craftsmanship
We take pride in meticulous attention to detail. Our on-site workroom allows for complete control over every aspect of your project, ensuring the highest quality finishes.
Unparalleled Selection
Explore a curated collection of top brands in our extensive showroom. Whether you need a single meter of wallpaper, a pot of paint, or a complete design solution, we have everything you need to achieve your dream space.
Experience You Can Trust
No project is too big or too small for us. We've tackled everything from bespoke curtains for a cozy window to full-scale design for grand homes, including prestigious work for the National Trust and Sanderson showrooms.
Trade Work Welcome
Experience & Professionalism
Clark & English is proud to offer a comprehensive service to the design trade. We understand the importance of collaboration and provide designers with access to our expertise and resources.
Our History
Our family connection to the fabric industry is strong, long and continues to grow.
Jonas Giddens
(1849 - 1934)
19th Century
In 1849, Jonas Giddens was born into a modest Cambridgeshire farming family who had lived and farmed a small 22acre farm In Chatteris for generations He was the first to break from the farming heritage and took the family’s first steps into the fabric industry. In the 1870’s Jonas was employed by a ” Mr Dixon Dawson”, a silk merchant in Southampton, where he worked as a Drapers Assistant In 187S he married Mary Anne Orchard and moved to Wareham in Dorset Sy the 1880’s, Jonas was on the Isle of white where he worked as a Draper’s Manager selling cloth, fabrics and associated sundries He and Mary had three children, William and Herbert and a daughter Eleanor. He continued in the trade as a “draper’s commercial traveller” selling fabric across the country and residing in Wales and Shepton Mallet.
Herbert Giddens
(1878 - 1946)
Jonas’ youngest son, Herbert, was born in 1878 and followed his father into the industry. Jonas died in Lincoln in 1934 aged 85, having seen his son and grandson establish themselves in the industry with their own upholstery and drapers business.
20th Century
At the turn of the century, Herbert was living and working in Manchester at the heart of the fabric trade. Like his father, he was beginning a career as a Draper’s Assistant. By 1907 he was travelling the country with his work and had met Violet Wilson. Originally from Nottinghamshire, they married in Blandford in Dorset but were back in Nottinghamshire by the following year when their first child, Reginald Elliot, was born in Worksop. They settled in Lincoln where Herbert established a successful upholstery business “H E Giddens” trading from workshops on Steep Hill, in the Heart of the City.
Maurice Giddens
(1933 - 1999)
Maurice was an inspired designer and turned an already well-respected business into an international success sending work all over the world and working for Royalty, celebrities and well-known clients from the entertainment and music world. Maurice had eight children, three of whom continue the spirit of the family business to this day.
Philip Giddens
(1963 - 2021)
Philip continued the family business in Lincoln until his passing in 2021.
Patricia Giddens
Sarah Clark
The Present Day
Patricia, owner and founder of Pat Giddens a successful soft furnishing business based in Regent Street, London, and The Hackney draper in Hackney. Sarah Clark owner and founder of Clark & English established in 1999.
