From a London market stall
The heritage of our family business dates back more than 100 years to the early 1900s, when Isaac Jacobs, great-grandfather of the current directors, began selling remnant pieces of fabric in a London market.
In 1953, his son Johnny Jacobs took over the family trade with his brother Sid, selling leather fabrics from a London market stall during a very different era of retail.
Chatham Glyn Fabrics is born
After leaving school, Johnny's son Ian joined his father's company. Chatham Glyn Fabrics was then founded in April 1982 by John Jacobs and his son Ian Jacobs.
The company began as a wholesaler of upholstery fabrics, supplying manufacturers and upholsterers at a time when UK industry and manufacturing were thriving.
As the upholstery manufacturing trade began to decline in the 1990s, Ian recognised an opportunity to steer the business towards curtain and drapery fabrics, helping establish Chatham Glyn as a respected soft-furnishing supplier.
A new generation and a new direction
Ian remains a valued presence in the company while enjoying semi-retirement. His three sons, Neil, Gary and Ben Jacobs, all joined the family business after leaving education and are now working directors of Chatham Glyn.
Together they bring more than 50 years of combined experience to the business.
In 2012, the directors began developing what would become Crafty by Chatham Glyn — a fast-growing division focused on competitively priced fabrics, strong quality and contemporary designs.
