40 Years of British Craftsmanship: Chapman Through the Decades
“Crafted in Cumbria since 1984”
From a kitchen table in Cumbria to a national brand known for timeless British design, Chapman Bags has always stood for craftsmanship, quality and care. As we celebrate 40 years of making in England, here’s a look back at the milestones that shaped us — and a glimpse of where we’re headed next.
1984 - Built by Hand, Born in Cumbria - John Chapman founded his company in Carlisle, Cumbria, cutting fabric and hand-riveting bags from his own kitchen table. With the help of a local machinist, production soon expanded into his garage, and a British bagmaking legacy began.
Late 1980s - Royalty, Rockstars & Recognition - By the late ‘80s, Chapman bags were being carried by royalty, rockstars and politicians alike. Margaret and Denis Thatcher, Princess Anne, and Robert Plant were among early customers. When Sarah Ferguson was photographed with a Chapman bag, demand surged. The business grew rapidly, moving into workshops next to Carlisle’s Metal Box factory. 
Early 1990s - A New Home - To meet increasing demand, Chapman relocated to a new factory on Tannery Road in Harraby Green Business Park, where we’re still based today. Every Chapman bag continues to be handcrafted under this same roof.
Mid-1990s - A New Chapter Begins - After years of growth, John Chapman sold the business to the House of Hardy and retired. His legacy of British-made, functional elegance remained the cornerstone of the brand.
2000 - Chapman Under New Ownership - Chapman was acquired by Blackwolf Ltd of Alnwick, Northumberland, led by Lord James Percy and John Slay. The brand continued to evolve while staying rooted in its heritage.
2006–2019 - New Ownership and Workshop Growth - In 2006, Chapman came under the ownership of Daniel Chamier. During this time, the Carlisle workshop was expanded in 2014 to support ongoing production and craftsmanship.
2019 - A Return to Chapman Values - Long-time team member Cedric Stonex took ownership of the business in 2019, after joining in 2017. Since then, he has remained committed to Chapman’s founding values, focusing on exceptional materials, small-batch production, and timeless design, all handcrafted in our Carlisle workshop.
2020 - From Bags to PPE - In March 2020, we temporarily closed our workshop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By May, our team of talented machinists had turned their hands to making PPE - donating essential items to local GP surgeries and hospitals in Cumbria. Making 3000 sets of scrubs. Later that year, as restrictions eased, we returned to doing what we do best: handcrafting bags in Carlisle.
2020s - Post Covid, Growth, Investment & Craft - In recent years, Chapman has grown its skilled workforce, invested in new machinery, and recommitted to the art of British bagmaking. We continue to train new makers and preserve traditional skills.
2024 - 40 Years of Chapman - To mark four decades of craftsmanship, we launched two limited edition designs: the Chapman Tote Bag and the new Rambler, with just 40 of each made. A celebration of our past, and a step into the future.
2025 - A New Look for a New Era - This year marks an exciting new chapter for Chapman. With a rebrand, a new website, and a refreshed visual identity, we’re continuing to evolve while staying true to who we are: one of the last true British bagmakers crafting in-house. 
Looking Ahead - We’re working on a brand-new collection, bringing a fresh design perspective while staying rooted in Chapman values. We can’t wait to share more and to take you behind the scenes as it all comes together.
From countryside to city, from past to present and into the future, Chapman remains proudly British, proudly handmade, and proudly independent.
Here’s to the next 40 years.