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OUR
STORY
At Franklin & Hare, we believe furniture should be made to last — not just for years, but for generations.
Pieces that gather memories. That grow warmer with age. That are cared for, re-upholstered over time, and ultimately passed on — not thrown away.
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We are a family-run workshop based in Buckfastleigh, nestled on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in Devon. Nature is on our doorstep, shaping our respect for materials and our belief in sustainable, thoughtful craftsmanship. Founded in 2014 by husband and wife team, Rich and Hannah. Franklin & Hare was born from a shared love of interiors, antiques, and the beauty found in things made properly — by hand, with time and care.
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Our story began when Rich decided to leave his full time job at Kingcome Sofas and push Franklin & Hare full time. Quite early on he made a conscious decision to move away from synthetic foams and the toxic chemicals commonly used in modern upholstery. Choosing instead to work with natural materials and traditional methods, he set out to create furniture that feels good to live with — and good for the people who make it. His passion for antiques, paired with extensive upholstery knowledge, quickly caught the attention of local customers who began approaching him to restore their most cherished pieces. Over the years, Rich has dedicated himself to mastering the traditional techniques that have been used for centuries — methods that honour both the craft and the furniture itself — ensuring each piece can be treasured for generations to come.
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We truly believe that great furniture begins with great relationships. We want to understand you, your home, and the way you live. Together, we explore your preferences, the atmosphere you want to create, and the character you want a piece to bring into your space.
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When you work with Franklin & Hare, you’re working with us — the owners, the makers, and the people who care deeply about every detail. We are a small team of dedicated craftspeople, united by our passion, our skill, and an ethos rooted in craftsmanship and sustainability. We love the journey each project takes us on — discovering personal stories, family histories, and the small details that make every home truly unique.
From there, we carefully select natural materials that will stand the test of time. We use traditional methods because they work beautifully — and because they honour the craft. Whether we’re restoring a beloved heirloom or creating something entirely bespoke, we approach every project with the same belief; Good furniture has a soul — and it’s worth investing in.
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We are proud to play a small part in keeping that tradition alive here in Devon. And we’d love to build or restore something that becomes part of your story too.
OUR
PASSION
We feel passionately about crafting durable furniture using natural, sustainable materials — helping to reduce the presence of harmful chemicals in your home. Our passion lies in interiors, upholstery, and the art of traditional craftsmanship.
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We specialise in high-quality reupholstery and handmade bespoke furniture where every frame, filling, and stitch is chosen with care to ensure longevity, comfort, and wellbeing. By prioritising natural fibres and eliminating toxic substances wherever possible, we create pieces that support a healthier home environment.
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We believe that when you invest in the right piece of furniture, you invest in the future. Built with integrity, our furniture is designed to be repaired, reupholstered, and cherished for generations — not discarded in landfill or incinerated after a few short years. It’s better for your home, more economical in the long run, and kinder to the planet.
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By working closely with antique frames and heirloom pieces, we’ve learned that furniture can tell a story — one that grows richer with time. Our designs are made to do the same: to age beautifully, evolve with your home, and remain a meaningful part of it for decades.
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We believe that furniture should never be disposable. When it’s made with heart and honesty, it’s made to last.
OUR
MISSION
Our mission is simple: to create future heirlooms from natural, sustainable materials and keep harmful chemicals out of your home and our planet. We believe in making pieces that will be cherished for generations, not discarded with the next passing trend.
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Every piece of furniture we craft is made with integrity, using traditional methods and natural materials that stand the test of time. Our goal is to inspire a shift away from the culture of fast furniture — the mass-produced, short-lived pieces that fill landfills or are incinerated each year — and to remind people of the true value of buying once, for a lifetime.
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We also believe in creating healthier homes. Inside each of our pieces, we use coconut fibre, hair, wool, and other traditional, sustainable materials known for their comfort and longevity. At the request of our customers, we can also incorporate 100% biodegradable natural latex made from the sap of the rubber tree, or a chemical-free foam alternative for those seeking a different feel.
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Each year in the UK, over 670,000 tonnes of furniture are thrown away — much of it ending up in landfill or incinerated. We’re determined to change that, one sofa at a time. By crafting furniture that is made to last and designed to be re-upholstered, we help reduce waste and protect the environment.
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That’s why our mission is simple: to build and restore furniture that’s kinder to the planet and a joy to live with. Furniture you can feel proud to own — and proud to pass on. When you choose Franklin & Hare, you’re choosing to invest in craftsmanship over convenience, longevity over landfill, and a lifetime of comfort over a cycle of replacement.
When you choose Franklin & Hare, you’re choosing to invest in craftsmanship over convenience, longevity over landfill, and a lifetime of comfort over a cycle of replacement.