London hosts more than 3,000 manufacturing businesses. Together they contribute hugely to the city’s vibrancy; They are a part of what keeps it rolling day-by-day and makes it so good. I’m Mark Brearley, the proprietor of Kaymet, whose factory is near the Old Kent Road. For the past decade and a bit, in my spare time, I have been deep-delving into this production scene; researching and visiting, cataloguing what’s made by who, and where. I have come to understand what we’ve got right now, and have a feel for the opportunities and the challenges. Some of the diverse riches are revealed on the Instagram @madeinlondon.uk (see some posts below).
And now there is a handsome celebratory book, Made in London, that I helped to make happen. It’s a joyful 256 pages with 900 colour images (most are photos by Carmel King, whose fine shot of the Purpose Powder Coatings factory is included above), and a wide-roving introduction that I wrote. The mighty Merrell Publishers worked much magic. I urge you to pick up the book.
As a bonus, you may enjoy the booklet produced in 2018 when several Old Kent Road manufacturers welcome in the public for Open House. It’s called Old Kent Road Manufactures, and this is the first time it’s been possible to track it down online.
