Discover Albioncourt
Supplying Trade and Residential Customers across the UK.
Discover Our Lampshade Story
It all began in 1993 when our founder, Mr. Timothy Hargreaves, known to most as ‘Tim’ and affectionately to others as ‘The Lampshade Man’, established the remarkable company we are today.
Travels around the world inspired Tim’s journey into lampshade manufacturing. With a passion for handmade papers, Tim set to work from his garden shed. By day, with Handmade Papers under arm Tim cycled around London, visiting designers and retailers alike. Interest became orders, and so in 1993 Albioncourt was born.
The company grew in size, designs and fabric choices. Successfully entering the hospitality and commercial sector in 2004. Our shades can be seen all over the UK. In hotels, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, offices, airports, and retail sites. Offering bespoke lampshades to trade customers. No lampshade request has ever been too big, or too small. We welcome the challenge!
Albioncourt Ltd has resided in the North of Dorset, surrounded by the natural beauty of the area since 2001. Moving into these larger workshop premises has also allowed for direct retailing of bespoke lampshades under our shop name ‘The Idea Works’. We are proud to be a UK Manufacturer, producing all our shades to order and by hand.
Specialising in Lampshades for Hospitality, Retail, Events, Offices and much more
Meet The Work Family
We are a dedicated team, united by our passion for lampshades! Building on the brand Tim started, we proudly continue his footsteps. Some of us have worked alongside each other and Tim for over 20 years. Gaining invaluable knowledge and experience across every aspect of the business. While our roles may have evolved over time, our core values and beliefs have remained the same.
Jennifer (Jen)
Manager
“The best part of my job is talking with our wonderful customers and suppliers. Staying connected and delivering excellent customer service is super important to me.”
Favourite lampshade: Empire lampshade in Natural Jute Hessian and complimentary tone tape.
Bonnie (Bon Bons)
Workshop Manager
“Albioncourt has a warm, family-like atmosphere, filled with genuine support and care for one another. We're proud to carry on Tim’s legacy and keep it alive!”
Favourite lampshade: In house printed shades and fabric ikat with Fringe.
Nicola (Nick)
Bespoke Lampshade Maker
“I truly enjoy working at Albioncourt, not only for the friendly atmosphere but also for the reassurance that I’m surrounded by friends.”
Favourite lampshade:
Retro Drum shade in Duck Egg and a Duck Egg Taped edge.
Helen (Burtie)
Bespoke Lampshade Maker
“I love working with this crazy bunch! We’re all unique, but together we make an amazing team.”
Favourite lampshade:
Tequila Sunrise style lampshade with coolie lampshade, raspberry hat. With Drum Shades in yellow, orange and red.
Tania (Tan)
Bespoke Lampshade Maker
‘“The vibe at Albioncourt is always upbeat, I love the working atmosphere and the new challenges.”
Favourite lampshade:
Large Coolie in earthy tone Terracotta and a taped edge.
Charlotte (Charlie)
Bespoke Lampshade Maker
“Working with the ladies at Albioncourt is an absolute delight! Together, we make a fantastic team.”
Favourite lampshade: French Drum in Olive and Mustard fabric, with matching taped edge.
Sustainability and the community
Sustainability; we know it is not always possible to save a lampshade but where we can, we do! Here at Albioncourt we Refurbish clients Lampshades, modern and traditional.
Where we can we use environmentally friendly practices. From packing in cardboard boxes to using recycled materials for padding, our lampshade wrap can be recycled kerbside.
Community; Our workshop is on the edge of a small town, giving back where we can. Any in-house fabrics or materials our team doesn’t use are donated to local schools and clubs for creative projects. We actively participate in local initiatives across North Dorset, including the Gillingham Carnival.
Get in Touch. Get to know us!
...Let’s chat!
Visit us
THE IDEA WORKS, New Rd, Gillingham SP8 4JH
Call us
01747 822818