About Us

The Passmore Store is an evolution of our business over 65 years of trading. Our aim here is to bring you a curated collection of beautiful furniture, high quality porcelain tableware, soft furnishings and home accessories to help you create beautiful, stylish living spaces. This is not always what we’ve done so here is a brief history of Passmore.

A long-established soft furnishings company in Essex and Suffolk

Passmore was founded in 1960 by Edith O’Hanlon-Smith (née Passmore). The company was originally a retail store in Colchester and Ipswich selling a variety of goods. Edith’s son, Terence O’Hanlon-Smith, took over the company in December 1970. Terence had previously worked in the soft furnishings department at Harrods and his experience there changed the direction of Passmore towards home furnishings.

Expansion into the marine sector in the 1970s changed Passmore

A pivotal moment came in 1978 when Passmore expanded into the marine sector, leasing a workshop on the beautiful Mersea Island in Essex. The company then became an essential supplier of soft furnishings and accessories to emerging yacht builders, including the prestigious Oyster Yachts.

Luxury yacht upholsterers

Today, our sister company Passmore of Southampton Ltd specialises exclusively in marine upholstery for luxury yachts. They offer bespoke reupholstery services and soft furnishings and work closely with renowned yacht builders such as Oyster Yachts and Spirit Yachts.

Artisanry, quality and excellence are key to Passmore’s success

“Our passion for craftsmanship and commitment to excellence have been the driving forces behind our success,” says Rik O’Hanlon-Smith, Edith’s grandson and Terence’s son, who took over the family business in 2012. Rik became director alongside his wife and co-owner, Julie-Ann Kwok.

This year the company is opening the Passmore store

As part of the celebrations marking a milestone year which include the 65th anniversary of the company, Passmore will launch the Passmore Store, a luxurious homeware and interiors destination.

Curated furniture, tableware & soft furnishings

Drawing on decades of expertise in design, craftsmanship, and working with premium materials, the Passmore Store will offer a curated selection of furniture, tableware, elegant soft furnishings, home accessories and lifestyle products. This exciting new online retail venture reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and its passion for bringing high-quality furniture, tableware, and design into homes around the United Kingdom.

65 years of soft furnishings and now interiors, furniture and home accessories

As Passmore celebrates 65 years in business, it looks ahead with pride, eager to build on its tradition of excellence and innovation with its new furniture, tableware and home accessories business. “Reaching our 65th is an incredible milestone. We take immense pride in our heritage and the relationships we’ve built over the years, and as we look to the future, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of excellence in marine upholstery, ensuring every project reflects the passion and precision that have defined Passmore for decades,” adds co-owner, Julie-Ann Kwok.

Passmore is a trading style of Passmore of Colchester Limited a company registered in England and Wales. Our company registration number is 08246461 and our registered office is at 42b High Street, West Mersea, Colchester, Essex, CO5 8QA. Our registered VAT number is 144009934.

Trustpilot
Cart