British bedmaker Vispring has a storied history that dates back to 1899. In an interview with Clare Schifano, Global Marketing Director at Vispring, we delve into the company's remarkable achievements, such as supplying beds to the Titanic. We look at the company's global market presence, recent prestigious King's Award for Enterprise and what sets Vispring apart from competitors.
Clare Schifano and on the right the Charlotte limited-edition bed.
Vispring has a significant history dating back to 1899. Can you tell us about the history of the company and some of its major achievements?
'In 1899, a British engineer, James Marshall lovingly hand crafted a mattress for his wife during her illness, using coiled springs wrapped in muslin. His design came to the attention of John Nolon and Frederick James who ventured to produce the pocket sprung mattress commercially in the UK. The pioneering pair incorporated the Marshall Sanitary Mattress Company in 1901, latterly Vispring - it was to become a revolution in sleep comfort.
In 1911 ocean liners became the new way to travel and Vispring worked on its first major orders. The bespoke Vispring mattresses were specified for the first-class cabins of the world's finest ships such as the Titanic and the Queen Mary, as they fitted perfectly in the opulent cabins and suites.
Today, Vispring mattresses are the chosen bed supplier to some of the most luxurious hotels in the world such as The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane. More recently, Vispring opened its first London Flagship store on Regent Street, St James, in October 2022.'
Vispring in suites and first-class cabins in the Titanic.
Vispring is active in 59 countries. What markets are you most active in and how are the market conditions at the moment?
'Over 60% of our sales are exported outside of the UK across the globe with particular strongholds in Europe, Middle East, Asia and the US – the Vispring comfort appeals to a truly international consumer. Market conditions remain challenging. however we continue to grow across the globe, as does our brand recognition. 2024 will see the opening of 50 new locations – from Melbourne to Houston and Paris to Dublin. The desire for our product continues to grow in all markets, existing and new.'
Vispring recently achieved the King's Award for Enterprise. Can you tell us about this? 'Vispring is honoured to have been awarded the King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade in May 2024. This award recognises Vispring's excellence for outstanding growth in overseas sales, solidifying our position as the UK's largest luxury bed exporter. The Awards programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, and we are so delighted to be recognised as part of this.'
The Charlotte limited-edition bed.
What sets Vispring apart from other brands?
'Vispring's products are all handcrafted and each mattress edge is hand-sewn to provide greater comfort and longevity. With over 120 years of experience handcrafting mattresses, we have become one of the most trusted bedmakers in the UK and around the world.
All mattresses are made of natural materials and no plastic, polyester, foam or other man-made chemicals are used in the manufacturing process. As the Vispring name suggests, springs are a vital ingredient in our bespoke range of beds. The steel springs we use feature 6 turns – which is where the name VI-Spring comes from, VI being the Roman numeral for 6 – and work in harmony with the other luxurious, natural materials that fill every mattress, to provide a delicate balance of strength and softness.
We are one of very few bedmakers to still produce our own springs, in a process that remains virtually unchanged since 1901. This method of production ensures a flexibility and resilience that is unparalleled.'
What are some of Vispring's most recent products?
'Vispring's most recent launch, the Charlotte limited-edition bed, seamlessly blends classic and modern design aesthetics with a bedframe and mattress which can be purchased together or separately. Understanding individuals have varying sleep preferences and different stylistic taste, Vispring's customers are afforded the ultimate luxury— a customised bed. The stylish Charlotte bedframe, which includes a headboard, legs and either a slatted or divan base, fits perfectly with any Vispring mattress.
Beyond the sophisticated and elegant design, Charlotte's mattress is handmade with Exmoor Horn sheep wool and TencelTM, sourced from the lush landscapes of North Devon and Somerset. The wool from horn sheep is known for exceptional softness, breathability, and resilience and by sourcing it locally, Vispring continues to support regional communities.'
Pieces in the Monochrome fabric collection.
'Vispring has also launched a monochrome fabric collection, which includes five neutral tones, allowing customers to create truly bespoke bed designs for a personalised sleeping experience, with the option to cover each element of the brand's bed offering, including the headboard, divan, mattress and topper. The newest monochrome range comes in shades of Anthracite, Ash, Linen, Pearl and Steel, and can be found in the Naturals fabric collection.'
What are the plans for Vispring in the future?
'Vispring will continue to grow its store network across the globe. We continue to innovate and have new products in development for 2025 and beyond, some of which we plan to launch at IMM Cologne and Salone del Mobile in 2025. Partnerships are also part of the future, more of this will follow in the coming months.'
More information:
Vispring
Ernesettle Lane
Ernesettle Plymouth,
PL5 2TT United Kingdom.
+44 1752 366311
[email protected]
www.vispring.com