Crafting a modern legacy: building Halliesphere as a heritage brand

When building a new brand, where trends change with the seasons and new brands emerge overnight, the true challenge lies in creating something that not only resonates with modern audiences but also stands the test of time. At Halliesphere, founder Jennifer set out on this very journey: to craft a brand that celebrates the beauty of traditional British craftsmanship while embodying the creativity and elegance that stands brands apart. It was Fablefaine’s task to find the right location for her launch shoot that reflected her brand’s vision, style, and ethos.

This pursuit of blending heritage with modern design led Halliesphere to form a partnership with one of the UK’s oldest and most esteemed ceramics manufacturers—Duchess China 1888. Together, they’ve created exquisite ceramic floral arrangers that honour centuries of craftsmanship while introducing a fresh perspective on floral artistry, one that speaks to the values, history, and passion that form the backbone of the Halliesphere brand.

 

Tradition meets innovation

When Jennifer first began Halliesphere, it was with a single purpose: to make floral artistry accessible, beautiful, and effortless for everyone. She envisioned a product that allowed anyone—from experienced florists to those who simply loved flowers—to create professional-quality arrangements with ease. But achieving this required more than just creativity, and so she turned to Duchess China’s master craftmsmen and their years of experience.

Drawing inspiration from her surroundings in the South Cotswolds, Halliesphere’s foundation was deeply rooted in British craftsmanship. Jennifer was determined to create a product that celebrates and pays homage  to the rich heritage of the British ceramics industry. This led to her collaboration with Duchess China 1888—a manufacturer that has upheld the traditions of fine bone china for over 130 years.

 

Duchess China 1888: a legacy of craftsmanship

Founded in 1888, Duchess China has remained at the forefront of British ceramics. It  continues to produce the finest bone china pieces in the same factory in Longton, Stoke-on-Trent. Known as the "heart of the world's ceramic industry," Stoke-on-Trent has been synonymous with world-class pottery for centuries. Duchess China remains one of the few remaining fine bone china manufacturers still producing in the UK, and their commitment to British craftsmanship aligns perfectly with the values at Halliesphere.

Every Halliesphere is crafted in collaboration with Duchess China, using a blend of traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices. Over twenty pairs of skilled hands touch each piece throughout its production process.

Their factory in Stoke-on-Trent still operates with the same dedication to quality that has defined their legacy for over a century. By combining time-honoured techniques with modern innovation, Duchess China produces ceramics that are not only beautiful but also sustainable. They source as many materials and components from within the UK as possible—another reason why their collaboration feels so aligned. The fact that each piece is not only crafted with care but also produced with respect for the environment adds depth to the Halliesphere brand and reinforces the commitment to sustainability.

 

Sustainability and the power of British manufacturing

It can be tempting to seek cheaper, faster alternatives abroad to keep production costs to a minimum, especially when building a new business, yet, at Halliesphere, they believe in the immense value of local craftsmanship. By supporting British artisans and investing in sustainable practices, they are able to create a product that is not only luxurious but also environmentally conscious. This dedication to sustainability allows Halliesphere to create floral arrangers that are beautiful, durable, and kind to the planet.

Supporting British manufacturing

Duchess China 1888 represents one of the last standing fine bone china manufacturers in the UK, a testament to the shrinking landscape of British industry. The closure of many manufacturing hubs across the country, especially in Stoke-on-Trent, has underscored the urgency of preserving what remains. Halliesphere’s decision to partner with Duchess China 1888 isn’t just about producing beautiful ceramic products—it’s about contributing to the survival of a centuries-old industry. This collaboration reinforces the idea that heritage brands can play a pivotal role in safeguarding traditional industries that are otherwise in decline.

At a time when the allure of cheaper, globally outsourced manufacturing may seem hard to resist, Halliesphere’s decision to partner with Duchess China exemplifies the strength of investing in domestic craftsmanship. This is not just a sentimental gesture but a practical and forward-thinking one, ensuring that the skills honed over generations are passed down and kept alive for future generations. The story of Halliesphere is part of a broader conversation about the future of British manufacturing, asking us to consider the long-term consequences of losing these skills forever.

 

The role of design and heritage in creating meaningful products

In a world inundated with disposable goods, Halliesphere invites consumers to engage with products that are imbued with history, artistry, and meaning. There’s a growing movement that challenges the idea of constant newness, encouraging people to seek out products that tell a story, that connect them to the past, and that represent the work of skilled craftspeople. Halliesphere and its collaboration with Duchess China 1888 are part of this movement, one that sees value not in how quickly something is produced but in how thoughtfully it is made.

This approach offers a welcome contrast to the transient nature of many modern consumer products, encouraging customers to invest in pieces that can be passed down through generations. The Halliesphere floral arranger is not just a vessel for flowers; it’s an heirloom in the making, with each one representing a tangible link between the consumer and the maker, between the past and the present.

 

Choosing Creas: A blend of tradition and modern elegance

As a brand rooted in both tradition and modern design, it was essential that Halliesphere’s imagery reflected this duality. When it came time to plan the launch brand shoot, we searched for a location that perfectly embodied the blend of old and new, heritage and contemporary beauty for Halliesphere. That search led us to ‘Creas’, one of Fablefaine’s stunning locations, nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Creas, like Halliesphere, is a marriage of history and modernity. Its interiors, while steeped in the traditional charm of Cotswold architecture, have been carefully styled with the owner’s expert eye. The house’s rich textures, beautiful gardens, and elegant details served as the perfect backdrop for showcasing Halliesphere’s floral arrangers.

Much like Halliesphere’s founder, Creas is rooted in the Cotswolds—a place that evokes a sense of timeless beauty and connection to nature. The location’s quiet charm, paired with its thoughtful blend of heritage and design, resonated deeply with our vision for Halliesphere. By using Creas as our backdrop, we were able to highlight not only the elegance of their products but also the broader ethos of the brand: that tradition can be reimagined in a way that feels relevant, fresh, and inspiring.

 

 

Jennifer, Halliesphere's founder had this to say about working with us: "Working with Fablefaine was a total dream from start to finish. I felt really understood in my vision, and truly looked-after. I had an initial call to discuss my business and my goals for the location shoot, what my requirements were and how I saw the day unfolding. The team then came back to me within the same week with four properties to consider, and walked me through how they imagined each unique property would cater to my needs for photography, video, and beyond.

Building a modern legacy

At its heart, Halliesphere is about more than just floral arrangers. It’s about crafting a modern legacy—one that draws on the rich history of British craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design. The collaboration with Duchess China 1888 exemplifies this approach, merging traditional techniques with modern sensibilities to create something truly unique.

But this legacy goes beyond the products they create. It’s about preserving the skills and stories that define British craftsmanship. It’s about supporting local industries and championing the artisans who dedicate their lives to their craft. And it’s about fostering a deep appreciation for sustainability, creativity, and the power of handmade.

For founder Jennifer, Halliesphere has been a personal journey as much as a professional one: “I’ve witnessed firsthand the magic that happens when we invest in local talent and embrace the values of sustainability and craftsmanship. And as Halliesphere continues to grow, I remain committed to these values—creating products that inspire creativity, bring beauty into people’s lives, and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

 

A call to heritage brands: discover your perfect shoot location

If you’re a heritage brand looking to bring your unique story to life through an unforgettable brand shoot, Fablefaine can help you find the perfect location. Our portfolio features an array of stunning properties that seamlessly blend historical charm with modern elegance—just like Creas, the perfect backdrop for Halliesphere’s vision.

Contact us today to explore our beautiful countryside locations and see how we can help you create the perfect setting for your next brand campaign. Embrace the extraordinary and let your brand flourish against the backdrop of Britain’s finest locations.

 

Credits:

Ceramic flower arrangers: Halliesphere

Manufacturer: Duchess China 1888

Creative Direction & Photography: Kate Cullen

Florals: The Cotswold Flower Farm

Hair & Make Up: Jennifer’s Dressing table

Tableware: Sorbet Living

Location: Creas