Our story at Somerset Willow began more than sixty years ago, when Edward Hill noted his first order on the back of an old playing card packet. Since then, our family business has remained committed to the values that shaped its beginnings. Today, that same dedication continues, with heritage, innovation and craftsmanship forming the foundation of everything we do.
At Somerset Willow, we are a community of talented individuals brought together by a shared passion for craftsmanship. We believe our greatest strength lies in the people behind what we do. By encouraging collaboration, teaching and the passing down of traditional skills, we continue to nurture the talent and experience needed for future generations. It is the same philosophy that inspired Edward Hill when he founded the business in 1959, and over four generations later, those values remain unchanged.
When we pick up a rod of willow, over sixty years of family heritage is woven into every piece we create. We are dedicated to getting every detail right, from the careful cultivation of willow to the finishing touches on each Somerset Willow coffin. Our craftspeople train for a minimum of five years before creating customer commissions, ensuring the highest possible standards of quality and care. We all work by one simple principle: if something is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
Looking back, we are proud of how far Somerset Willow has come. Over the years, we have embraced changing styles and evolving design while remaining true to our roots. From humble beginnings, the business has grown into new industries and ventures, including the introduction of the Somerset Willow coffin in 1998.
As we look towards the future, we never lose sight of the values that have guided us to where we are today.
Our willingness to embrace change and think differently is what sets us apart. We are never afraid to experiment, learn and evolve, knowing that progress often comes through experience. As Aubrey Hill once said:
“Learning from our mistakes enriches our success.”
When we pioneered the UK’s first commercial willow coffin in 1998, we introduced something both beautiful and environmentally conscious. In doing so, we helped lay the foundations for meaningful change within a traditional industry that had remained largely unchanged for generations.