The History of Deyongs: 180 Years of British Textiles

Daniel Deyong |

Not many British companies can say they've been making home textiles for 180 years. Deyongs can. Founded in London in 1846, the Deyong family has spent nearly two centuries perfecting the art of towels, bedding, throws and cushions — building a heritage brand that still puts quality and craftsmanship at the centre of everything it does.

This is the story of how a small Victorian textile business became one of Britain's most enduring home furnishing brands — and why that history matters more than ever today.


1846: Where It All Began

The Deyong family started their textile business in the heart of London during the Victorian era — a time when Britain led the world in manufacturing. Quality mattered above all else. Fabrics were built to last, and a family's reputation depended on the goods they produced.

From the very beginning, the Deyongs focused on bathroom and home textiles. While trends came and went, the family held firm to one principle: make products people can trust. That ethos has carried through every generation, every decade, and every product the company has ever made.

The Early Years: Victorian Craftsmanship

In the mid-1800s, textile manufacturing was one of Britain's most important industries. The Deyong family carved out a niche in high-quality towelling and bath linens, earning a reputation for supplying soft, durable products that stood apart from cheaper imports.

As the business grew through the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, the family expanded their range while maintaining the hands-on approach to quality that had defined them from day one.

"We've never chased trends for the sake of it. Every product we make has to earn its place in someone's home." — The Deyong Family

Through Two World Wars and Beyond

Like many British manufacturers, Deyongs faced enormous challenges during the First and Second World Wars. Raw materials were scarce, supply chains were disrupted, and the textile industry was reshaped by conflict.

But the family business endured. While larger companies folded or merged, Deyongs adapted. The post-war years brought new opportunities as British households invested in quality home furnishings, and the company was well-positioned to meet that demand with products people trusted.

A Family Business in Every Sense

What makes Deyongs unusual isn't just its age — it's the fact that it has remained a family business throughout. Now in its sixth generation, the company is still led by the Deyong family, who continue to be involved in everything from product development to customer relationships.

That continuity matters. It means decisions are made with a long-term view, not driven by short-term profit. It means relationships with suppliers and retailers are measured in decades, not quarters. And it means every product carries the weight of a family name — something no corporate brand can replicate.

Key Milestones

1846
Founded in London by the Deyong family
Early 1900s
Established as a leading British towel supplier
Post-War
Expanded into bedding, throws and home textiles
2026
Celebrating 180 years of British textile heritage

What Deyongs Makes Today

While the company's roots are in towels, today Deyongs produces a full range of home textiles designed for modern living. Every product is developed with the same attention to quality that has defined the brand since 1846.

Towels

From everyday essentials to luxury Egyptian cotton — our towels are made to feel better and last longer. Shop Towels →

Bedding

Duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases crafted for comfort and durability. Shop Bedding →

Throws & Blankets

Cosy, stylish throws in a range of textures and colours for every room. Shop Throws →

Cushions

Decorative cushions to add texture and personality to your living space. Shop Cushions →

Why Heritage Matters in Home Textiles

In an industry increasingly dominated by fast fashion and disposable homewares, heritage brands like Deyongs offer something different. When you buy from a company that has been making textiles for 180 years, you're buying from people who understand fabric at a level that simply can't be replicated overnight.

That experience shows in every detail — from the weight of a towel to the finish of a throw blanket. It's the difference between a product that looks good on a shelf and one that still feels wonderful after years of use.

Did You Know?
Deyongs is one of the oldest continuously operating textile companies in the United Kingdom, with an unbroken line of family ownership stretching back to 1846.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

As Deyongs celebrates 180 years in 2026, the company is focused on blending its heritage with innovation. That means investing in sustainable materials, developing new product lines, and continuing to set the standard for quality in British home textiles.

The world has changed enormously since 1846 — but the values that founded this company haven't. Quality, craftsmanship, and family. That's what Deyongs was built on, and that's what will carry it into the next 180 years.

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