It all began in 1956, when Daphne started a 5 year apprenticeship as a seamstress and upholsteress at Cavendish House, Cheltenham. 2 years later, Allen began his 5 year apprenticeship in all aspects of the soft furnishing trade. In 1963, Allen and Daphne decided to become self employed. They set up their own workroom and began to work for private and contract customers under the name of D&A James.
10 years later, they opened their first shop (‘The Fabric House’) in Montpellier, Cheltenham. A sister shop was opened 3 years later in Cirencester. By the ‘80s they had moved to larger premises and their daughter Tina and her husband Nigel had joined them. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s they worked with interior designers, whose work took them extensively to London and The Cotswolds along with projects far further afield. In need of larger premises again, the business moved to Carmarthenshire, Wales. During which time their Granddaughter Kerry began her training in the workroom, followed by Alex training in upholstery and soft furnishings. In 2010 the business moved to The Coach House in Bredwardine, Herefordshire, entering into the retail world of complete home accessories, gifts and fabrics, whilst continuing to work with other interior designers as well as their own customers. In October 2022 we relocated our on-site workroom, showroom and shop to Bagley's Croft, set in the beautiful countryside of Brinsop. We are now the neighbours of Brinsop Court and Hereford Golf Club. Over the decades their work has taken them to many countries in Europe and as far as Qatar. Closer to home they have worked in most counties of England, Scotland and Wales.
