Early sketchbook ideas for logo designs and initial concepts for The 1834 collection.
How NIXEY began…
Founded by Laura-Marie Nixey in 2016, from the beginning NIXEY’s values have simply been:
Meaningful ~ British-made ~ Artisanship
Grandpa Jock on his wedding day to Nana Rene.
From Laura;
I'd always dreamt of starting my own business and through my early career in the Arts & Crafts industry, I developed a passion for the artisanship thriving in Britain today.
I wanted to design something in leather which touched on my own family heritage. My Grandpa Jock & his love of his native Scotland is where I drew inspiration. Growing up in Polbeth, just outside Edinburgh, to him everything that was good in life was Scottish. He was rarely without a cup of “Scottish” Tea (strong, milky with an unmentionable number of sugars!).
I designed my first bag and wanted to find a traditional sporran maker to create it. I was in luck when I found a wonderful workshop near the Highlands, with a history dating back to 1834, who helped bring my ideas to life. From there, the first Nixey 1834 bag was born and for every bag since the workshop has crafted the leather shell and I have hand-applied many of the metal fittings myself, poignantly using Grandpa Jock's old pliers for each one.
Intrinsically, each of my bag designs are inspired by the rare craft of sporran-making & all that comes with making a lasting piece that can be cherished for years & even passed on. I also turn to Britain's long equestrian connections, incorporating metal saddlery fittings into my designs. The beautiful tartans & tweeds from the weaving mills of Scotland are also a constant source of inspiration and are a signature part of my designs.
Today I run NIXEY from Brighton where I live with my partner Alex & our little boys, Dylan & Abel. I take regular trips to Scotland & on every visit I take inspiration from its beauty & diversity.