Founders' vision still alive after 170 years

Luxury furnishers reflect on proud history - and look to a bright future

- ADAM MAIDMENT

THE luxury Cheshire furnishers famed for illustrious clients and a landmark view from the Manchester to London railway line is celebrating its 170th birthday this year.

Arighi Bianchi, based on the Silk Road in Macclesfield, has become known for its high-end products for the home, as well as selling renowned brands including Cattelan Italia, Ercol and Tetrad. But its origins are far beyond Cheshire - in another region 950 miles away.

Fleeing the Italian civil war in 1854, craftsman Antonio Arighi decided to up sticks and leave the silk-weaving town of Casnate, near Lake Como, in Northern Italy behind. A cabinet maker by trade, Antonio set his sights on finding another silk town where he could refine his skills. He somehow decided on Macclesfield - but his journey there was far from easy.

"He chose Macclesfield as the place to start the business due to its reputation as a thriving silk hub," Sarah Bianchi, now CEO of Arighi Bianchi and fourth generation family member, tells the M.E.N. "His route took weeks and saw him trek across the Alps into Switzerland from Italy, crossing the Gotthard Pass on foot and toboggan."

Having eventually settled down in the Cheshire town, Antonio began making clocks and barometers for local farmers. Having made a success of his business, his brother-inlaw, and Sarah's great-great-granddad, Antonio Bianchi, joined him some 12 years later.

Both master craftsmen, the two Antonios were able to bring their skills together to manufacture and sell handmade furniture using locally-sourced silks and materials. Creating a loyal customer base, they named their business Arighi Bianchi and set their eyes on expansion.