In February 1959 Edward Hill was asked by S Young & Sons of Mistertons to supply 900 pigeon baskets, this welcome stroke of luck sparked the beginning of something that would become a four generation-long family business. Edward grasped the opportunity and proposed to his son that they each invest £25 by selling their car to begin their own basket making business together, E. J. Hill & Son.
E J Hill & Son is founded by Father & Son Edward and Aubrey Hill. The company's first contract was for a large order of pigeon baskets.
Sees the company start production for a large order of bicycle baskets for Brompton Bicycles in England.
The company veers away from pigeon baskets after new ruling prohibits railways from carrying livestock, all but killing off the pigeon industry.
The company secures a large order with Brexton Picnic Hampers to produce bespoke picnic baskets.
Darrell Hill, third-generation joins the company. Working initially on picnic baskets and smaller items before eventually refining his skills to become one of the country's elite master craftsman
Company diversifies into making Hot Air Balloon baskets for a world-leading Hot Air Balloon manufacturer in Bristol.
Sees the company relocate to new premises in St Mary Street, Bridgwater.
The company makes its first-ever furniture piece for Marston & Langinger.
The company makes a world-record double-decker balloon basket capable of holding over 50 passengers.
E J Hill & Son changes its name to The Somerset Willow Company, and begins to benefit from having a corporate identity.
The company moves to its current site, just off junction 23 of the M5 motorway.
Somerset Willow works with Arthur Edwards, leading furniture designer to create first ever conservatory furniture range.
The company moves into kitchen furnishings with Siematic Kitchens.
Virgin Atlantic commissions Somerset Willow to make miniature baskets for inflight servicing of its Boeing 747 class of aircraft.
Somerset Willow produces world-first, modern-day willow coffin made entirely from willow.
Fire rips through the company’s premises destroying everything. The result is a complete loss. Despite the odds, the company is determined to carry on.
Company exhibits it’s Somerset Willow Coffin for the first time at the National Funeral Exhibition at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
The rebuild of the company’s site damaged by fire is completed.
Anthony Hill, fourth-generation joins the company. Initially training alongside his Grandfather Aubrey on Hot Air Balloon Baskets before moving into a managerial role helping to take the company forward.
Darrell Hill and friend Richard Roberts start sister company Somerset Willow Growers, to produce and secure the company's own willow supply.
The company forms Natural Woven Products, the company’s alternative range of imported coffins.
Somerset Willow celebrates 50 years in business. Local dignitaries, association presidents, customers and suppliers are all in attendance.
Somerset Willow makes a one-off willow throne for her Majesty the Queen to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The company re-launches its home and lifestyle ranges and introduces its new Made-To-Order service.
Somerset Willow works in conjunction with the Bridgwater Carnival Association to produce a never done before 6-meter-tall Guy Fawkes figurine.
An apprenticeship scheme is started with Bridgwater College to provide opportunities for local students and to enhance the company's training programme.
The company secures a contract with Christian Dior to produce the world’s most exclusive hamper.
Somerset Willow undertakes a successful rebrand.
The company begins its digital transformation program.
Somerset Willow pioneers The Living Coffin, the world's first coffin made from living willow.