Key facts — at a glance

• Family-run since 1947 - Third generation, based in Hessle, East Yorkshire
• Authorised retailers - Licensed originals only - no imitations, ever
• Expert curation - A deliberately small edit of the world’s finest furniture and lighting makers
• Nearly 1000 five-star reviews - Rated on Reviews.co.uk by verified customers

Who we are

Innes is a third-generation, family-run business based in Hessle, East Yorkshire, specialising in contemporary designer furniture, lighting, gifts and art prints. We have a rich history of design and an eye for style, innovation and lasting quality — and many of the pieces our customers love today were designed around the time our founder Donald Innes was just starting out, and are every bit as relevant now as they were then.

Our history

Donald Innes opened his photography studio in Hessle in 1947. He spent his early career as a photo-journalist before building one of the most successful freelance press photography agencies in the North of England. That professional discipline — to look carefully, to understand light and composition, to see immediately what works and what doesn't — became the founding instinct of everything Innes has done since.

His son Ivor carried that eye into a distinguished career as a creative commercial photographer, working with some of the world's largest brands. Alongside his photography, Ivor opened the Innes gallery — a space dedicated to art and design, and the beginning of the business's deeper relationship with the visual world. It was this combination of creative rigour and an instinct for curation that set the stage for what Innes would become.

The third generation brought those instincts to furniture and interiors. Unable to find the kind of considered, well-made pieces he wanted for his own home, David Innes began sourcing them — starting with Knoll and Flos, and growing from there. The attention to detail that had defined both Donald and Ivor's working lives translated naturally into an eye for design that continues to shape the Innes edit today.

"All the pieces that we retail are licensed originals. As a family with deep roots in the creative world, we believe strongly that designers deserve to be recognised and rewarded for their work. We do not stock imitations or replicas — and the price you pay for many pieces includes a direct contribution to funding the next generation of artists and designers."

Learn more about our 75th anniversary celebrations.

Our brands

Our furniture and lighting edit centres on the Danish and Italian design houses whose work has stood the test of time — alongside a carefully chosen range of gifts and accessories from leading global design studios. Below are some links to our main contemporary furniture and lighting brands.

Art prints & photography

Alongside our furniture and lighting we offer a carefully chosen selection of art prints and original works — pieces that complement a considered interior as naturally as the furniture itself.

We are proud to represent Becky Innes, David's wife and a mixed media artist whose work is created for modern spaces. Working with acrylic paint and hand-torn paper, Becky produces calming, textured pieces inspired by nature, quiet moments and the beauty of imperfect edges. Each work is layered with delicate torn paper that creates subtle deckle edges — a nod to the ever-changing rhythms of the natural world. Her palette is soft and organic, her forms abstract and gentle. Every piece is an original, and commissions are welcome.

We also hold The Donald Innes Heritage Collection — a remarkable archive of press photographs documenting life across Hull and East Yorkshire from 1947 onwards, lovingly restored and available as fine art prints. A piece of local history for your walls.

Bespoke prints can also be produced to order. For commercial photography, visit innesphoto.com.

Visit us

Our showroom is based in the pretty town of Hessle, East Yorkshire, and is open by appointment. We'd love to show you around — and virtual consultations are also available if you'd prefer.

Please email us on innesonline@mac.com or call us 01482 649271 to book your appointment.