Hand & Lock, established in 1767, is the world’s leading provider of bespoke hand embroidery, blending centuries of tradition with modern craftsmanship. From couture and military regalia to theatrical costumes and royal commissions, their Fitzrovia-based studio continues to deliver timeless elegance and unmatched quality in every stitch.
Hand & Lock have been producing the world's finest hand embroidery since 1767. We cover a wide range of niche markets from Civilian and Military Regalia through to Ecclesiastical and Couture, specializing in bespoke, individually crafted embroidery.
As a traditional embroidery company, our heritage reaches back to Roman times and as such, we have become world renowned as providers of the finest hand embroidery. We are a living antique, but moving with the times, bringing hand embroidery into the present. We are ready to take on all types of embroidery, big and small, and our rich history guarantees our clients consistency and quality every time.
The History
Hand & Lock is an embroidery brand created from the fusion of two great, long-established embroidery businesses, M Hand and S Lock.
In 1767, a Hugenot refugee known as 'M Hand' added embroidery to his range of laces and set up M. Hand & Co. M Hand continue through the next two centuries, crafting beautiful embroidery for the military, royalty, and tailors throughout the Commonwealth and beyond.
In 1898, CE Phipps & Co. opened an embroidery business supporting the burgeoning London couture fashion houses. By 1956, it had survived the wars as a modest, yet well established business when a brilliant young designer, Stanley Lock, took over from Mr. Phipps on his retirement.
The company, based in Fitzrovia, was renamed S Lock Ltd. It reached new heights throughout the next 45 years working with couturiers including Christian Dior, Norman Hartnell, and Hardy Amies. Taking notices of S Lock's success, the monarchy awarded him a Royal Warrant. Royal commissions have included gowns for the Queen, the Queen Mother, and Princess Anne's wedding ensemble. Princess Diana added new glamour with her love of richly embroidered garments.
Show-business used the extravagance and showiness of embroidery and beading to full effect in many famous productions, from Barnum to The Lion King. The list is a long one!
In 2001, these two extraordinary companies, M Hand and S Lock merged and the Hand & Lock brand was created. Hand & Lock's commitment to produce only the highest quality hand embroidered products ensures that the company maintains its place as the leading supplier of all types of embroidery. Hand-crafted work will always give a touch of class and quality to any garment.
Hand & Lock
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