As the global mattress industry races to cut costs, simplify sourcing, and scale up margins, one British manufacturer is taking a radically different approach.

Norfolk, UK. April 23rd 2025 – Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company, a Royal Warrant-holding heritage brand based in Norfolk, has just launched its Traceable Wool Mattress Collection — and in doing so, it’s challenging long- standing industry norms around wool sourcing, transparency, and sustainability.

This new collection is crafted using hand-teased British wool but unlike other manufacturers that rely on a single large-scale wool supplier, Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. has created a network of British farms supplying fleece of varying scale, location, and character. 

From shepherds with just a few sheep to larger flocks of over 3,000, every farm is paid above market rate, with fast, fair compensation that allows even the smallest holdings to remain viable.

The Status Quo: Profitable for Retailers, Devastating for Farmers. The problem? It’s systemic.

Across the UK, sheep farmers face a harsh reality. The value of raw fleece has plummeted in recent years. For many, the price paid by British Wool doesn’t even cover the cost of shearing, and in some cases, farmers have opted to burn wool because selling it results in a net loss.

“We’ve seen the disconnect up close,” says Amanda Oldfield, Managing Director and founder of Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. “Farmers are being squeezed while the market keeps charging more. It’s a model that rewards volume and convenience — not fairness, sustainability, or true quality.”

By going against the grain, Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. is demonstrating that it’s possible to build a product that is ethically sourced, beautifully made, and commercially viable — all while restoring value to the material itself.

A Cooperative-Led Sourcing Model

Rather than purchasing from a centralised depot or aggregator, the company has built a small cooperative of British farms. Some are multi-generational businesses on the moors. Others are new entrants with a few dozen animals. This diverse model reflects the real face of British sheep farming and directly supports those who are often left behind in mass-market economics.

“The reality is that larger farms can often survive on meat alone,” says Amanda. “But smaller farms rely heavily on wool. By paying more, and paying quickly, we’re helping rebalance an economy that’s been skewed for too long.”

The company hopes this model will inspire other manufacturers to reconsider their sourcing chains, not just from an ethical standpoint, but as a business opportunity. “Consumers are ready for products with meaning, provenance, and principle,” Amanda adds. “And we believe the future belongs to companies who are willing to lead, not follow.”

Handcrafted in Britain – Built to Last

Each mattress in the Traceable Wool Collection is handmade using traditional techniques, including hand-teasing of wool — a process that enhances comfort, airflow, and longevity.

There are no foams, no fillers, and no synthetic fire retardants — just layers of natural fibres like British wool, alpaca, cotton, horsetail, and cashmere (in the Signature Collection).

The company has designed three mattress ranges to cater to different needs:

Why Traceability Matters Now More Than Ever

The growing consumer demand for traceability has put pressure on brands to show their working. But transparency without real-world impact is just marketing. This collection offers traceability with teeth — including named farm sourcing, direct engagement, and on-the-ground insight into how the wool was raised and handled.

It’s a genuine effort to realign customer values with production practices — not just because it sounds good, but because it’s what the industry should have been doing all along.

The Environmental Cost of the Current System

Beyond economic fairness, there’s a clear ecological argument for change. Unsold or underpaid wool is often treated as waste, even though it is biodegradable, renewable, and naturally fire-retardant. In contrast, the foams and petrochemical fillers used by mainstream manufacturers are resource-intensive and land-fill bound.

“Wool is one of the most sustainable materials on earth,” Amanda says. “It regulates temperature, repels dust mites, and doesn’t require flame-retardant chemicals. Ignoring its value is not just bad economics — it’s bad for the planet.”

Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co.’s direct-to-farm model also helps reduce carbon emissions, bypassing the delays and detours that fleece typically endures when processed through the centralised supply chain.

Rethinking the Supply Chain — from Soil to Sleep

As sustainability becomes a non-negotiable in modern manufacturing, the question is no longer “can we afford to do this?” — but rather, “can we afford not to?”

This collection is a blueprint for what mattress manufacturing can look like when principle drives practice. It’s slower. It’s more complex. But it’s undeniably better.

ENDS

NORFOLK, UK. 19th December, 2024 – The Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company, a renowned leader in the design and craftsmanship of high-quality beds and bedroom furniture, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Royal Warrant by His Majesty The King. 

This prestigious honour marks a new chapter in the company’s illustrious history, further cementing its reputation for excellence in craftsmanship, service, and quality. The company had previously been granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and this new appointment by King Charles III signifies the continuity of a decades-long tradition of service to the British royal family.

The Royal Warrant of Appointment is granted to companies that have demonstrated excellence in their field and have consistently provided goods or services to the royal family for at least five years. It is a mark of distinction that acknowledges a business’s commitment to high standards and its contribution to British craftsmanship. The Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company, with its rich heritage of producing beautifully crafted and durable wrought iron and brass beds, is proud to have earned this rare and coveted recognition.

A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Royal Patronage

Founded in 2005, the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company has built a reputation for producing some of the finest handmade beds in the UK and abroad. For generations, the company has remained committed to upholding the highest standards of design and quality. Combining traditional techniques with modern design, the company has crafted beds that are as durable as they are beautiful, offering timeless elegance for every home.

The company’s legacy of excellence has made it a trusted supplier to numerous high-profile clients, including royal residences, luxury hotels, and discerning private customers. In 2020, the company was first granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for providing high-quality bed frames to the Royal Household. The Royal Warrant, which has now passed to King Charles III, underscores the company’s enduring commitment to excellence.

A Symbol of Royal Approval

Receiving the Royal Warrant from His Majesty the King is a tremendous honour and a testament to the company’s dedication to producing the finest beds for over a century. 

Commenting on the prestigious recognition, Amanda Oldfield, founder and managing director of the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company, said:

“We are delighted to receive this Royal Warrant from His Majesty The King. It is an incredible acknowledgement of the hard work, passion, and attention to detail that our team puts into every bed we make. To know that the Royal Family trusts our products is an immense privilege and a testament to our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. This new Royal Warrant further enhances our longstanding relationship with the British royal family, which began with the late Queen Elizabeth II, and we are proud to continue that legacy under King Charles III.”

Commitment to Sustainability and Craftsmanship

The Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company is committed to producing high-quality products and operating in an environmentally responsible manner. The company employs sustainable manufacturing practices, sourcing materials locally when possible and ensuring that all of its beds are made to last for generations. The use of wrought iron and brass, both durable and recyclable materials, reflects the company’s dedication to sustainability while preserving the tradition of British metalworking craftsmanship.

As a family-owned business, the company has placed an emphasis on artisanal methods of production, working with highly skilled artisans who bring years of experience to every piece. The beds are made to order, with customers able to choose from a wide range of styles, finishes, and sizes to suit their individual tastes and requirements. Each bed is carefully hand-finished, ensuring that every product meets the company’s exacting standards of quality. “We take great pride in the skills of our craftsmen and the attention to detail in every bed we create,” said Amanda Oldfield. “Each of our beds is a work of art, crafted with precision and care, designed to provide both comfort and beauty for our customers.”

Looking to the Future

The Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company continues to innovate while honouring its legacy of excellence. With plans to expand their range of bespoke bedroom furniture and offer new designs that blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary sensibilities, the company is well-positioned for continued success in the years ahead. The recent Royal Warrant is a milestone that will further inspire the team to uphold the highest standards of quality and service.

The company’s commitment to upholding the values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and customer satisfaction has earned it the recognition of His Majesty The King and the continued admiration and loyalty of customers worldwide. With its legacy firmly rooted in British craftsmanship and a vision for the future, the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company remains a symbol of quality and tradition in the world of luxury home furnishings.

For more information about the Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Company and its collection of luxury beds, visit www.wroughtironandbrassbed.co.uk