Gascoigne Designs exemplifies Long Eaton upholstery manufacture. Founded in 1989, the family-owned business has worked closely with stockists and designers to create branded and white-label furniture for the likes of high-end retailers, football stars and royal dignitaries, and its elegant designs can be found across the globe. Founder and MD David Gascoigne, a third-generation furnituremaker, is both the father of the business and a passionate advocate of Long Eaton …
What brought you to the trade?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to start my own business, and furniture was always my passion. I was born into the trade – both my parents worked in upholstery, and my grandfather was a master cabinetmaker. It gave me a deep respect for craftsmanship and the importance of doing things properly.
In 1989, my wife and I founded Gascoigne Designs with a shared ambition to create elegant, high-quality furniture that reflects the very best of British manufacturing. Starting from humble beginnings, we built the business on hard work, long hours, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to install quality.
How would you describe the business today?
Based in Long Eaton – the recognised centre of excellence for luxury furniture – we have grown into a well-established family business. Many of our team have been with us for a number of years, and their loyalty, skill and dedication are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to regard them not simply as colleagues, but as part of the Gascoigne family.
Today, Gascoigne Designs continues to combine traditional craftsmanship with refined design, creating furniture that can be both timeless and distinctive. Our collections range from classic English styles to beautifully carved show-wood pieces inspired by Italian and French design, alongside modern, transitional, and also loose-cover ranges. Every piece is handcrafted with pride, and with the same care, precision, and attention to detail.
Is there a philosophy that underpins your approach?
To paraphrase Lawrence M Miller: “Excellence is not an accomplishment – it is a never-ending process.”
How integral is Long Eaton to the story of Gascoigne Designs?
Long Eaton is more than just a centre of quality furniture manufacturing – it is a town built on generations of skill, pride, and dedication to British craftsmanship.
For over a century, Long Eaton has earned its Government-endorsed reputation as a centre of excellence. From its roots in Nottingham lace to its evolution into one of the UK’s leading hubs for high-quality upholstered furniture, the town has consistently stood for quality, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the craft.
What makes Long Eaton truly special, however, is the people behind it. This is an industry that runs through families and communities. In many cases, several generations have worked within the same trade, passing down skills, knowledge, and pride in their work. And my own family is part of that story.
Like many others in the town, this isn’t just a profession – it’s simply part of what and who we are.
Can you explain what makes Long Eaton unique in that respect?
The industry itself is far more than the finished product. It is a comprehensive network of skilled individuals and a specialist network of bespoke businesses, along with a network of specialists – frame-makers, spring and cushion manufacturers, designers and craftspeople – all working together to create something of lasting quality.
Today, this ecosystem supports over 50 businesses and more than 2,500 jobs, forming a vital part of the local community and economy.
There is also a strong sense of togetherness that defines Long Eaton. Family businesses have supported one another over decades, and the town continues to welcome visitors from across the UK and beyond. Events such as Long Point bring together retailers, designers and buyers from around the world, while the historic lace mills – now home to furniture showrooms – stand as a reminder of both the town’s heritage and its continued relevance.
There is a quiet pride in what Long Eaton represents. It is a place where craftsmanship still matters, where skills are respected, and where the value of making something well has never been lost.
How well equipped is the town to withstand the challenges the future holds?
Like many industries, furniture manufacturing faces ongoing challenges in a changing economic landscape. But what is clear is that places like Long Eaton are built on something far stronger than short-term pressures. They are built on generations of experience, resilience, and a commitment to quality that cannot easily be replicated.
Long Eaton did not become what it is overnight. It has been shaped over decades by the people who have worked, lived, and built their lives around this industry. With continued recognition and support, there is every reason to believe it will remain a proud centre of British craftsmanship for generations to come.
Read about other Long Eaton furniture businesses in this year's Furniture News supplement dedicated to the town's industry.
