SHAWS EXTEND THEIR CLASSIC COLLECTION

Shaws of Darwen have launched three new models, expanding their Classic Collection and Inset/Undermount offerings.  Each new hand-crafted sink carries the Shaws of Darwen logo, which is a guarantee of traditional quality in a modern product.  Sinks are manufactured with a 3½” waste outlet which is suitable for basket strainer or waste disposer.

Classic Collection
The Classic Collection is a wide range of sinks designed to appeal to more contemporary styles, yet true to the heritage of handcrafted fireclay.  The Classic Collection has stylish slim side walls for a contemporary appearance with no compromise to construction quality.

Classic Brindle
The Brindle 800 is a larger version of Shaws existing 1.5 bowl ceramic sink.  A very practical, stylish sink with a true half bowl of full depth.  This new model can be inset or undermounted with granite, wood or quartz worktops and extends our Inset/Undermount range to seven shaped models.

Classic Butler 900
The Classic Butler 900 is a large, deep Victorian style sink which can take large pots, pans and racks which are too large for the dishwasher.  The sink features a round overflow on the side wall and extends the Shaws Butler family to five models which includes the popular 600, 800 and 1000 sizes alongside the new Classic Whitehall.

Classic Whitehall 600
The new Classic Whitehall is a deep, generous sink which has been created specifically for customers who want a fireclay farmhouse sink with a laminate worktop.  The clever design gives a Classic Butler sink appearance from the front and protects the cut edges of the laminate from water by using a subtle lip on all exposed sides.  The Whitehall can be installing using standard Belfast sink base cabinets, therefore, no bespoke cabinetry is required, making for a lower cost installation.

All of the new sinks are handcrafted in white and biscuit finishes with a durable glaze designed for years of usage and all carry a comprehensive guarantee.

Visit www.shawsofdarwen.com to view the complete range.

SHAWS EXPAND CUSTOMER SERVICE & MERCHANT ROLES

Stephanie Fielding has joined Shaws, the well-known fireclay sink manufacturer as Customer Services Manager and Leon Harber has been promoted from within the company, taking on the important new role of Merchant Sales Manager.

In her new role, Stephanie’s remit will be to re-inforce the company’s mantra as ‘being easy to do business with’.  Strong customer service and reliability has become synonymous with the Shaws brand and as part of that, the Lancashire ceramics manufacturer has added to their existing team. 

Stephanie joins the company to champion our existing excellent customer service whilst Leon has been promoted to further develop a more direct relationship with our Commercial/Merchant customers.

David Dare, CEO of Shaws comments: “Stephanie brings a wealth of experience to improve our customer service, we pride ourselves on reliability and flexibility for all customers big and small.  Leon has been with the Company for many years and knows our product range technically across the board.  His new role supports the ongoing development of commercial ranges to architects, designers, specifiers and merchants across the UK.”

SHAWS SINKS TEST AS 99.99% ANTIBACTERIAL

Shaws sinks are not only for use in homes, but are commercially used in laboratories, hospitals, institutions, restaurants, hotels, schools, universities and many other applications. To ensure that they are safe for every environment and being a considerate company, testing of the various ingredients used to manufacture our range of unique sinks is routinely carried out.

 Our handcrafted fireclay sinks have recently been tested by SteriTouch, an independent laboratory, for an evaluation of antimicrobial performance. The testing was conducted using the ISO 22196/JIS Z 2801:2000 test method to international standards and all samples proved to be ‘antibacterial’. Shaws glaze reduced bacterial colonies of E-Coli and MRSA by 99.99% over a 24 hour period and were classified as EXCELLENT in this area. Safe to use in every environment.

 The Shaws glaze, is not new or a new glaze development, or a thin coating, as some other manufacturers use, which can be considered temporary, but is the original glaze we’ve always used and is the regular and permanent performance of our glaze. Other tests are regularly carried out include: Determination of Chemical Resistance (BS 3402: 1969) and Determination of Resistance to Staining and Burning (BS 3402: 1969). In these tests Shaws sinks proved to be completely stainless and resistant to aggressive alkalis, acids and bleach. A durable glaze which will last forever.

 Shaws are the world’s only producer of heavy duty fireclay, sourced from the West Country and the clay is at least 25% denser and stronger than fine fireclay. Our heavy duty fireclay is responsibly sourced, sustainable, lead-free and 100% recyclable.

 Our sinks are chip and impact resilient as a heavyweight Shaws Original has 2” thick solid walls giving extra durability. Each sink is twice glazed with up to four times the glaze thickness of other sinks and fired at over 1200ºC.

 Taking over three weeks to create, Shaws use more clay, more glaze, more heat and more care to craft character products, made by real people. Every Shaws sink is unique and designed to last a lifetime!

SHAWS OF DARWEN WIN HIGHLY COMMENDED INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD

Shaws of Darwen, the renowned hand-crafted fireclay ceramic kitchen sink manufacturer based in Lancashire, won a Highly Commended International Award at the “North West Insider magazine International Trade Awards” ceremony, held in association with UK Trade and Investment.  Shaws was entered in the ‘International Company of the Year’ category with a turnover of up to £10m. 

When the Awards were first launched five years ago, there was a big push for companies to go global, to seek growth outside a slowing and stagnant UK market.  Since that time, Shaws have grown enormously and continue to celebrate their export success across the world, proving that British made quality products, are desirable worldwide.

This Awards event celebrates import, export and international business right across the North West of England.  Successful entrants were interviewed over a three day period by the team of judges and Rupert Cornford, features editor of Insider commented: “These Awards have gone from strength to strength and it’s great for local companies to be judged and rewarded for their successes”.

David Dare, CEO of Shaws was delighted with the Highly Commended Award and celebrated with some of his distributor partners, who were his guests for the evening.  “It’s always good to receive recognition for all the hard work put into running a successful company.  We are all very proud to be a British manufacturer with an international customer base”.

ARE YOU A PROUD OWNER OF A SHAWS OF DARWEN SINK?

Thank you to Mark & Mary Williams from New Zealand for sending us these pictures of their newly installed Belfast Sink in your fantastic kitchen.

One of their images will be used on our website www.shawsofdarwen.com and as a thank you, a free Accessory Pack is on its way to Mark & Mary.

If you are the proud owner of a Shaws of Darwen Kitchen Sink and want to receive a free Accessory Pack like Mark & Mary, please send a photograph of your kitchen to sales@shawsofdarwen.com and if the image is used on our website, we’ll send you an exclusive Accessory Pack straight away.

 

Belfast Sink Basket Strainer Proves a Storm

Since its introduction last year, our 1.5 Inch Basket Strainer Waste has proved to be very popular, outselling the conventional Slotted Waste (Plug & Chain) by 150%.

The majority of our Handcrafted Sinks require a 3 Inch Basket Strainer, but the Pendle and Belfast Sinks are fitted with a 1.5 inch accessory.

Previously, the only 1.5 Inch option was the Slotted Waste Plug & Chain and while this traditional look is still very popular for these kitchen sinks, the elegance of the Basket Strainer Waste has enhanced the accessory range to provide customers with more choice than ever before.

Our Basket Strainer Wastes are handmade in four colour options using the highest grade stainless steel and feature a ceramic indices with a bespoke Shaws insignia.

To find out more, please view our Accessory Range by clicking the link below.
http://www.shawsofdarwen.com/sink-accessories.cfm

ARE YOU A PROUD OWNER OF A SHAWS OF DARWEN SINK?

Thank you to Maggie Glover from Western Australia for sending us this picture of her fantastic kitchen and #Ribchester 800.

This image will be used on our website www.shawsofdarwen.com and as a thank you, a free accessory bundle is on its way to Maggie.

If you are a proud owner of a Shaws of Darwen sink and you would like us to display a picture of your kitchen on our website, then please send your photos to sales@shawsofdarwen.com

SHAWS OF DARWEN CLASSIC DOUBLE BOWL SINK

Creative design and superb craftsmanship are combined in the Shaws Classic Collection of fireclay ceramic sinks.  Produced in Darwen, Lancashire in the North of England, the sinks are of contemporary design and create a stylish collection.  The Classic Collection is a unique range of sinks manufactured to appeal to almost any style of kitchen, as the trend today is to mix both modern and traditional.  Every Shaws sink is individually handcrafted, making them ‘simply the best in the world’

With the total refurbishment of this country cottage kitchen it was a golden opportunity to bring back some of the original characteristics like the heavyweight, Classic Double Bowl sink with a central dividing wall.  The sink is available in both white and biscuit finishes and each bowl has central 3½” waste outlets for basket strainer or waste disposer plus round overflows.  With plenty of space in the new kitchen, the largest size of sink was installed under the window – the sink is available in two sizes, 800 and 1000.  It is recommended that bespoke cabinetry is installed professionally to take the weight of any Shaws sink.  

The Classic Double Bowl is the perfect choice for a busy kitchen or for those looking for a multi-purpose sink, especially in new build or refurbishment projects.  Shaws sinks have a long lasting, durable glaze which will last for years.  Visit www.shawsofdarwen.com to see the full range of sinks, complementary taps and accessories.

Note: Hand-made kitchen cabinets in our image are by Matt Dawes.  Readers can visit his website at www.shakertraditions.co.uk

 

 

NEWLY INSTALLED SHAWS SINK

We love to see images of our sinks installed in beautiful kitchens.

These pictures of a newly installed Shaws of Darwen Classic Double 1000 were sent in by Mr Caine from Skipton in North Yorkshire. The sink is complemented by a Ribble style Perrin & Rowe Nickel monobloc Mixer Tap and Rinser. As part of our photograph competition, Mr Caine will be sent a Steel Grid Accessory, which can be viewed on the Accessory page of our website, with sizes to fit most of our sink range.


If you’re as proud of your Shaws of Darwen sink as Mr Caine and you would like us to display a picture of your sink on our website, please visit our website to find out how to enter and we will send you either an Exclusive Shaws of Darwen Accessory Bundle or a Handcrafted Steel Sink Grid worth up to £160 if we use your photograph on the website.

THE SHAWS OF DARWEN BUTLER FAMILY

There are three sizes of handcrafted sinks in the Shaws of Darwen Classic Butler family, ranging from 600 to 1000mm. All Shaws sinks are designed, created and made in Britain and manufactured from the finest fireclay ceramic. They are designed to look and feel cool to the touch and beautiful to look at. The three heavyweight Butler sinks are of a deep Victorian style and feature a round overflow and central 3½” waste outlet suitable for basket strainer or waste disposer and are produced with a durable glaze designed for years of usage.

Shaws traditional style sinks, like the Butler, are always in vogue – they never go out of fashion and they complement all styles of kitchens, whatever the design and decor. Due to their weight it is recommended that bespoke cabinetry is in place prior to installation.

All of our sinks are available in white and biscuit colourways and are both acid and alkaline resistant. They are all hand finished and each sink is signed with the impression of its craftsman maker and delivered with a certificate of authenticity, verifying the products handmade quality.

Visit www.shawsofdarwen.com to see our full range of sinks, taps and accessories.

SHAWS CLASSIC CURVED DESIGN WATERSIDE

The British made Shaws Classic Collection is a range of sinks designed to appeal to more contemporary styles, yet true to the heritage of handcrafted fireclay. Sinks in the Classic Collection have stylish slimline side walls with no compromise to their construction quality.

Launched last year, this Classic Waterside kitchen sink is a huge, single 800mm bowl model with a stylish, yet practical curved bow-front which looks stunning in any style of kitchen and creates the perfect focal point for any elegant kitchen. The sink comes complete with central 3½” waste outlet for basket strainer or waste disposer plus the renowned Shaws logo at the back of the sink featured below the round overflow. The Waterside is an elegant alternative to the timeless classic Belfast sink.

The 800mm Classic Waterside won the Gold Award as ‘Best Product in Show’ at an industry show in New Orleans, showing that British manufacturing is the ‘best in the world’.

Waterside is a heavyweight fireclay sink – a weighty 45kg, with dimensions of 760x530x255mm and is 40mm deeper than the original 600mm original model. Due to the handcrafted nature of Shaws sinks and their weight, it is recommended that they are installed by specialist kitchen fitters to ensure they are properly supported.

All Shaws sinks are available in White and Biscuit finishes and the basket strainers come complete with ceramic indices with the Shaws logo to finish off the ‘look’. Visit www.shawsofdarwen.com to view the complete range of sinks, taps and accessories.

SHAWS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

Shaws of Darwen have been manufacturing fireclay sinks and terracotta architectural pieces for over 117 years, using time honoured traditional methods and materials. Each sink and terracotta piece crafted today is an individual product, bearing testament to the craftsmen who produce them.

Whilst modern technology has improved manufacturing models over the years, the principles of this hand-crafted product remains the same. Each sink is proudly stamped with the impression of its maker and bears its own distinctive badge. Traditional craftsmanship is as important now as it was in 1897.

Each year Shaws take on a number of young apprentices to join their graduation course to learn the time-honoured skills of hand-crafting their fireclay sinks for both the UK and export markets and commissioned terracotta pieces for buildings around the world.

David Dare, Managing Director of Shaws comments: “Our apprentices and trainees learn our skills slowly and it takes a very long time to become a fully capable finisher, sprayer or modeller. Our craftsmen work together to ensure precious skills are transferred to younger work members to carry on the tradition.”

“A typical 3-year apprenticeship is simply not long enough in a factory likes ours, which moves so slowly. In the past, all of the original craftsmen and apprentices who worked for Shaws were local people who lived within walking distance of the factory, which was built long before the road to it. This part of England – Darwen in Lancashire – is famous for its hard working, skilled artisans and their contribution to the industrial revolution. Skills were passed down through generations, just as they are today.”

Two of the new apprentices have parents who already work at the company and want to learn the trade and be part of Shaws who are one of the major employers in the area.

David Dare continued: “Adapting to the ever increasing styles of homes and styles over the centuries, we are very proud to have supplied the construction industry for well over a hundred years and today our commitment to providing the very best quality of product and services, remains as strong as ever.”

SHAWS QUALITY BRITISH PRODUCTS

Having refined fireclay production over more than 117 years to an ‘art form’, each Shaws sink is individually hand-made, making them ‘simply the best in the world’. A true test of quality is to examine the finished product, admire the finish and feel the weight – no lightweight imitations from Shaws – just traditional quality built with ‘world-class’ manufacturing standards.

The combination of handcrafted skills and modern production techniques enable Shaws to deliver a high end product at the right price. There are many Shaws sinks which have, and continue to be installed, into some of the finest houses in the land. No self-respecting stately home is without its Shaws sinks, upstairs and downstairs!

Edgworth: Place Names and Shaws of Darwen Sinks

Once again, we look at one of the area’s villages that gives its name to one of our Original Collection Heavy Duty Fireclay Sinks.

Edgworth
Edgworth is a small village near Darwen within the Blackburn borough of Lancashire and is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘Village in the Hills’.

Edgworth’s most famous son was Sir Thomas Barlow who went on to become physician not only to Queen Victoria but also King Edward VII & King George 5th. The Barlow Memorial Institute was the family's gift to the people of Edgworth and continues to see increased usage.

Egerton: Place Names and Shaws of Darwen Sinks

Continuing our heritage visits to the villages and towns that give their names to the Heavy Duty Fire Clay Sinks in our Original Collection, this month we look at the Mill Village of Egerton.

Egerton
Early evidence of man in the Egerton area is shown by the Stone Circle on Chetham Close. The circle is thought to date from the early Bronze Age and is 1050 feet above sea level.

Stumps are all that remain of the circle today after a local farmer virtually demolished the near perfect 51 feet circle with a sledgehammer.

Ribchester: Place Names and Shaws of Darwen Sinks

Following on from our Entwistle Post last month, we are continuing our look at villages which give their name to our Original Collection Heavy Duty Fireclay Sinks with the iconic ribbed front Ribchester.

Ribchester
Ribchester is a village in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley district and lies on the banks of the River Ribble, 12 miles east of Preston and 6 miles northwest of Blackburn.

Traditional Sink Vs Contemporary Sink

We produce the World’s finest kitchen sinks and have done for over 115 years, handcrafted at our factory in Darwen, Lancashire. Our current Kitchen sink range includes two distinctly different styles; Original, which is a more traditional fireclay sink, and the Classic, which appeals to more contemporary styles.

The differences don’t end there though, allowing our Customers to select a sink that fits best with their kitchen style; be it Farmhouse, Traditional or Contemporary.