Oxley’s crafts luxury outdoor furniture that not only stands the test of time, but also honours the heritage of classic English gardens. We are proud to announce that the beautiful Octavia Collection is now in proud collaboration with Europe’s biggest conservation charity, the National Trust.
This timeless collection is a true testament to the harmony of bespoke craftsmanship, intricate design, and environmental responsibility, and it represents our commitment to keeping beauty alive in our homes and in the world around us. Read on to discover more about the inspiration behind the collection and how our proud partnership with the National Trust was born…
The National Trust is dedicated to preserving the beauty, heritage, and nature of Britain’s historic places and green spaces. They care for more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline, 1 million collection items, and 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves.
Named after Octavia Hill, one of the three visionary founders of the National Trust, the Octavia Collection is designed with the same principles that inspired the charity itself – legacy, longevity, and a commitment to protecting our environment. For each sale from the collection, a minimum of £15,000 per year will be donated to the National Trust to help support their ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring that Britain’s historic houses and landscapes can continue to be enjoyed by all, forever.
As Michaela Davies, Brand Licensing Manager at the National Trust, explains: “The National Trust cares for more than 500 historic houses and gardens, which vary in age considerably, but they were all built with permanence in mind. Taking care of these places for future generations is no easy feat, but it’s collaborations such as The Octavia Collection that help make it possible.”
For the Oxley’s team this partnership has a deep personal significance. Thirty-four years ago, it was a 120-year-old Victorian bench at a National Trust garden that inspired me to start Oxley’s Furniture. I was seized by the idea that we could design and make beautiful furniture that will outlast us all and remain timeless and relevant decades and even centuries later. This philosphy remains at the heart of Oxley’s approach to design, style, and high manufacturing standards to this day, and it’s an enormous privilege for our business to be asked by the Trust to join their mission to help protect nature and heritage for future generations.
The distinctive design of the Octavia Collection takes inspiration from a detail found in an 1872 pen and ink drawing of a herbaceous border by the renowned 19th Century garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll. This delicate floral motif has been meticulously woven into the furniture’s backrests, arms, seats, and tabletops in beautifully intricate detail.
Crafted to complement the quintessential English garden, the Octavia Collection reflects the grandeur and grace of furniture that would have been found in stately homes and gardens over the last two centuries. Each piece is designed to withstand the unpredictable British weather, ensuring it remains as elegant and durable as the day it was made.
As with all Oxley’s sustainable garden furniture, the Octavia Collection is made from 100% recycled aluminium. Unlike mass-produced outdoor furniture that often deteriorates quickly, Oxley’s pieces are designed to be passed down for generations to enjoy, helping to reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact associated with furniture production.
All Oxley’s furniture is manufactured in-house at our factory in the North Cotswolds, and the Octavia Collection is no exception. Each piece undergoes a meticulous finishing and powder coating process to ensure that both the structure and paintwork will stand the test of time. Read our dedicated blog post on how Oxley’s makes their luxury aluminium outdoor furniture for further information.
The Octavia Collection features a carefully curated selection of luxury outdoor furniture pieces to suit a wide variety of outdoor living spaces. The collection consists of five sizes of tables, two versions of the chair, a beautifully-crafted bench, a coffee table, and an indulgently comfortable lounger. Each piece is available in a range of colours and fabric choices, and can be tailored to suit your individual requirements.
By choosing a piece from the Octavia Collection, you are not only investing in quality, handcrafted furniture – you are also playing a key part in preserving Britain’s historic landscapes and gardens. Browse the Octavia Collection today and get ready to bring a touch of heritage-inspired elegance to your outdoor space.