Our History
Established in 1859, Lawrence has specialised in engraving and printmaking supplies for over a century. With a shop in Hove, East Sussex, and an online store, the team continues to provide artists with a wide range of materials.
The company was originally established in London and relocated several times over the years, prompted by bomb damage during WWII and lease challenges.
Key Milestones
- Founders & Evolution: Founded in 1859 as a boxwood block manufacturer, the company evolved with each generation. In 1895 as manufacturers of engravers' boxwood blocks and of wood letters, in 1901 as manufacturers of fine art electrotypes, and in 1911 as a maker of engravers' boxwood blocks, printers' wood type, and lithographic scrapers.
The first recorded mail order catalogue dates back to 1925.
- Family Legacy: There were several generations of the Lawrence family active in London in the 19th century. George Lawrence, a carpenter, is said to have made picture frames. He was followed by his son Thomas John Lawrence, a cabinetmaker and hand mirror maker in Clerkenwell, and then by his grandson, also named Thomas John Lawrence, who founded the wood block making business.
In the following three generations, Thomas Neal Lawrence's son, Stanley Thomas Evans Lawrence joined the family business in 1917, as in turn did his grandson David Lawrence, and then from 1984 his great-grandson, Martin Lawrence.
Stanley was active in the business for almost 69 years, from 1917 until 1986, becoming sole proprietor in 1941, with an exceptional knowledge of handmade papers and of wood engraving materials, he was renowned for his expertise, celebrated in the book Tales from Bleeding Heart Yard.
The company produced boxwood blocks used by Eric Gill, Eric Ravilious, and Reynolds Stone, including the block that Stone used for the masthead of The Times in 1949. It also supplied many of Naum Gabo's inks for his woodblock prints in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Modern Era: The company became T.N. Lawrence & Son Ltd in 1963. Martin Lawrence, Stanley's grandson and the seventh generation, led the business from 1984 until 2024, and was later joined by his daughter, Amy Lawrence. In 2024, the business was acquired by Jackson’s Art Supplies, ensuring the continuation of its legacy.
Locations & Timeline
- 1863–1940s: The shop was originally located in London at Red Lion Court, but after it was destroyed in WWII bombings, it moved to Bleeding Heart Yard. There, it operated as a trade counter next to the wood workshop
- 1954–2001: After WWII, the shop relocated to Clerkenwell Road, but rising rents led to its closure in 2001.
- 1998–Present: The shop opened in Hove, where it still thrives today, nestled within Brighton’s vibrant and growing arts scene.
Today
Run by Jackson’s, Lawrence continues to provide high-quality materials for artists at the Hove shop and online, honouring the family’s longstanding commitment to craftsmanship.