Made in Scotland: Dorval Lighting
Welcome to our Made in Scotland Blog and please greet the lovely folk from Edinburgh based Dorval Lighting – they are a family business just like us at Bill Baber Knitwear but they are on their third generation! Take notes Baber grandchildren! Now based in Leith, this colourful group of makers took time to sit down and answer some questions for us about behind the scenes at this 45 year old family business who make their products in Scotland!
Can you tell us how your business got started?
Our founder, John Henry Stead (Jack) worked as a lampshade maker for a company called EME lampshades. He became frustrated with the general running of the business and decided to start his own venture. John’s daughter, Valerie, joined him in a one-room workshop on Nicholson Street in Edinburgh. Thus, Dorval Enterprises was formed.
The business soon outgrew its premises and Dorval moved to a new, much larger headquarters in the aptly named ‘Steads Place’ off Leith Walk. The company continued to grow and in 1977 Dorval Enterprises was renamed.
Dorval Lighting became a limited company and in 1980, John’s son, Peter, gave up his work as a construction engineer to join the business. With Peter’s expertise in business, he was able to continue the growth of the company. Soon, Dorval had again outgrown its home and it was time for another move.
In 1985 we moved to our current 2600-square foot factory on Newhaven Road. In 1994, for the first time, Dorval Lighting became a three-generation family business when Peter’s son, Robbie, left school to join the business. After 17 years of experience, Robbie took over the reins and became Managing Director in 2011. 2017 marks Dorval Lighting’s 40th anniversary. As established specialist lampshade makers with a solid customer base and excellent reputation, Dorval Lighting has grown far beyond its humble beginnings.
Where do you look for inspiration when you are designing new products?
When we design new products, we simply get inspired by our surroundings. Living in Scotland has many benefits to inspiring us to come up with new ideas for our products.
Can you tell us a bit more about how you make your products?
At Dorval Lighting, we create luxury bespoke lampshades by hand, tailored to your unique needs. Our lampshades are a staple of quality and we create them using a variety of stunning metallic and fabric patterned linings.
Our custom lamp bases are available in an extensive range of shapes, sizes and materials to suit your bespoke lighting requirements. We use state-of-the-art technology and traditional methods to design our premium quality bespoke lampshades of all shapes and sizes. Handpicked for quality, our designers create the intricate detail that you have envisioned, to ensure that your shade will best complement all manner of soft furnishings.
What are your most popular products and which are your own favourites?
Our craftsmen use high levels of skill and the best tools available to produce a range of lampshades for every possible use, from quality fabrics and materials in every combination of outer and inner lining colours you could imagine.
If you can picture it, we can make it reality! We’re proud that no other lampshade manufacturer can match our range of colours, and add that to the quality of our fabrics, to give you something truly unique to act as a focal point for any space.
Our lampshades make a great addition to any space, whether it’s a bedroom, or somewhere much more grand, such as a restaurant or shop. Pick one of our best-selling drum lampshades, and you’re guaranteed a quality piece which will help you create the exact mood you’re looking for.
If you had to pick one place in Scotland to recommend that people visit, where would it be?
At Dorval Lighting, we love visiting the magical highlands!
Thanks so much to everyone at Dorval Lighting for chatting with us about their third generation family business Make sure to check out their website, Facebook and Twitter to find out more about these beautiful lampshades!