Cath Kidston Ltd was founded in 1993 when designer Cath Kidston opened a tiny shop in London’s Holland Park. She began by selling the vintage fabrics, wallpapers and brightly-painted junk furniture she remembered fondly from her childhood.

Her clever, witty re-working of traditional English country house style meant that her shop soon became a cult success.
 
Gradually Cath began to design her own prints and products. One of the first was a printed ironing board cover – practical, quirky and with a distinctive floral print; it has come to epitomize the Cath Kidston look.

The product base has expanded steadily to include an extensive range of homewares as well as women’s fashion and accessories, and the 2008 launch of the Cath Kids brand.

A variety of products are also manufactured under license by companies such as Churchill, Heathcote and Ivory and Fulton Umbrellas.

Currently there are 26 shops and concessions in the UK, two shops in the Republic of Ireland and five in Japan as well as a significant online and mail order business.

Cath Kidston Ltd is one of the most influential and original design companies to emerge from the UK in recent years and celebrated its 15th Birthday in October 2008.

The dog that features in many of Cath Kidston’s catalogues is Stanley, Cath’s Lakeland terrier.

Stanley has also inspired a fun, quirky print design which can be found on many of the kids items.

Cath continues to be an integral part of the company; she is both designer and creative director.