The Character Behind the Company, Amanda Oldfield
Amanda Oldfield: the woman behind Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co.
It’s no secret that sustainability is at the heart of our products and processes here at Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co.
Well, have you ever wondered why that is?
It’s thanks to Amanda’s lifelong appreciation for longevity and her advocacy of natural fibres.
Her championing of British materials and enthusiasm for unearthing new ways to use them feeds her willingness to learn. And thanks to this, Amanda’s next adventure? Becoming a shepherd.
As she enters the worlds of podcasts and Instagram, Amanda is sharing her sustainable approach to the everyday and hopes to inspire others to do the same.
Informed and eco-conscious is how you’d describe Amanda. She’s aware of her responsibility for the environment and her impact on the planet, albeit in only a small area. Her actions are intentional. They’re always considered.
As children, her sons Harry and Jack remember having wool carpets, cotton curtains, and cotton bedding. “Nothing was throwaway. It lasted. I think that’s more uncommon nowadays”, Harry reveals.
Amanda’s outlook has been influenced by the close relationship with her grandmother Ivy May, a Fashion Buyer for an independent department store in Peterborough. She grew up surrounded by interiors, upholstery, and learnt the importance of natural fabrics like linen.
Each purchase is and has always been considered. Beyond being a passion, long-lasting, well-made pieces were also a necessity. Money couldn’t be spent on furniture or furnishings that only lasted a few years; economy was key.
But this still resonates with both homeowners and interiors-lovers alike today. During a cost-of-living crisis, Amanda’s no waste attitude is contemporary. It is part of eco-conscious living, tapping into growing awareness of and support for durability, restoration and repair, and natural fibres. This can be attributed to interiors, fashion, and even gardening.
That influence is evident in every aspect of Amanda’s lifestyle. From her collection of 100% British wool knitwear to her reupholstered Victorian furniture to the origins of Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co., quality and longevity take precedence.
Having founded Wrought Iron and Brass Bed Co. twenty years ago, Amanda is stepping back to pursue her personal interests.
Forging a relationship with the Sandringham Estate for the brand’s 100% wool mattresses and bedding collections sparked an interest in British wool. Supporting British sheep farmers, their wool, and the welfare of their sheep has led Amanda on her new journey as a shepherd.
‘No’. That was the motivation. Amanda wanted to find out why she couldn’t use pure British for mattress ticking. By understanding why, she has learnt knowledge she wants to share with others.
Amanda’s first-hand experience as a shepherd provides her with an educated approach on her crusade for wool. As an ambassador for its benefits, she wants fellow consumers to understand wool’s breathability, its hypoallergenic properties, and its alternate uses, including gardening and insulation.
Plastic pollution is undeniable in our ecosystem. Man-made microfibres and fossil fuel-based fibres, such as polyester and acrylic, are major contributors.
In contrast, wool is biodegradable. By promoting the natural fibre’s positive environmental impact, Amanda wants to grow support for the British wool industry and encourage consumers to choose wool for themselves.
Her own flock of five is expected to grow this spring and Amanda is also anticipating shearing her sheep for the very first time. She hopes to create a wool rug which acts as a reminder of her passion and perseverance.
With the launch of her new Instagram account, followers will gain insight into her day-to-day and behind the scenes of the life of a shepherd.
Listeners of the Two in a Bed podcast will also hear from Amanda. In upcoming episodes, she talks to local sheep farmer Gordon and Country Life’s Interiors Editor Giles Kime in more detail about wool and shepherding.
They’ll become part of a supportive, like-minded community which prioritises fairness and natural fibres, supporting an awareness of and lifestyle built on sustainability.
