English Craftsmanship

A British institution

The Chesterfield is a piece of British furniture that’s become a worldwide style icon. Just like The Queen, Mods and Rockers, Spitfires, and the perfect builder’s brew, it’s what makes us British! Here at S.W. James, each Chesterfield we create is instantly recognisable for its classic British aesthetic.

A British Tradition

British To The Core

When you’re building something so symbolic of British culture as the British Chesterfield, it’s only right that every last stitch is perfected right here in the motherland. So, we’re sure you’ll be pleased to know that each S.W. James Chesterfield is designed and manufactured in our Manchester based production studio. It’s all part of our commitment to making the best handmade Chesterfield sofas in the UK.

Every single element that combines to create an S.W. James Chesterfield is sourced in Great Britain – the exception to this rule being our beautiful leathers, which we obtain from the industry’s best Italian based tanneries. This decision allows us to provide the finest, most durable bovine hides for all our British made Chesterfield sofas. The result? A stunning collection of hand-designed, wrapped, and built British Chesterfields, sofas, and chairs that wear the S.W. James name with pride.

English Craftsmanship

Handmade in England

We’re proud to be British sofa makers, and most of our suppliers are located within a 20 mile radius of our factory. Our production team has been crafting Chesterfields for generations – using the most traditional methods to ensure each one of our designs stands the test of time.

If, like us, you’re less than enamoured with the direction in which modern furniture is heading – with cheap, poorly-made, and mass-produced products that are mainly imported, then you can rest safe in the knowledge that we’ll always maintain the impeccable standards of the master craftsmen who came before us. In fact, our production team is currently in the process of handing down the closely guarded traditional techniques of British Chesterfield production to our next generation of apprentices. So when you choose S.W. James, you’ll always benefit from the quality and precision of British handmade Chesterfield sofa designs.

It’s our great pride to be associated with ‘Make it British’ – who share our passion for preserving and encouraging the highest standards in British manufacturing.

British sofa makers

Handmade The Traditional Way

At S.W. James we are proud to still be creating handmade, British furniture in the manner they were made traditionally.

Every piece we make is exclusive to S.W. James and is handmade just for you. We don’t hold stock, so each piece is a one-off commission. No S.W. James is ever the same.

If like us, you are less than enamoured with the direction modern furniture production is heading in the 21 century with its poorly made, cheap and mass-produced aesthetics you will be happy to hear we are maintaining the standards of the master craftsmen.

Our production team is now handing down the closely guarded traditional finishing techniques of Chesterfield production to the next generation of apprentices..

English Craftsmanship

The shop in Cheshire

We appreciate your handmade British Chesterfield is a big investment – a new member of the family, in fact. That’s why we also understand it’s an extremely personal decision, and you’re bound to have questions before selecting an S.W. James of your very own.

Our dedicated team of Chesterfield experts and British sofa makers are here to help at every step – working closely alongside you through each part of the production process to ensure you’re 100% happy with your S.W. James handmade Chesterfield sofa when it arrives in your home.

If you want to experience the luxurious comfort of an S.W. James up close, you’re always welcome to visit us in Clarence Mill, Bollington. There, you can see the genuine, unrivalled quality of our handmade leather sofas and British Chesterfields, and discover the true art of designing the best Chesterfield sofas in the UK. In fact, we’ll pop the kettle on right now!

Call Warren and the team on 0161 359 5462 today to book your appointment. If the office is closed, please leave a short message – including your name and contact details – and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

The S.W. James Team

We're here to help

We appreciate ordering your handmade Chesterfield or vintage sofa is a very personal decision, and we know you’ll have questions before you decide on an S.W. James of your very own. We’re here to help at every step – working closely with you throughout each part of the production process to ensure you’re 100% happy with your new S.W. James when it arrives in your home.

We’re a passionate team, and we love to talk about our Chesterfields and vintage sofas; so, if you have questions prior to placing your order, or at any point during production, just ask. You’ll always talk directly with Warren or the other business founders.

Call Warren and the team today for a friendly chat.
(If the office is closed, please leave a short message – including your name and contact details – and we’ll return your call as soon as possible)

0161 359 5462

Or email Warren and the team by clicking here

Visit our new shop -

Come and experience how comfortable our Chesterfields really are! If you would like to visit our new shop, please contact Warren to book an appointment.