THE LEDGER: YOUR MASTER SOURCING LIST
For deep-dive journals and photographic studies of UK-made icons, visit The Edit. Here in The Ledger you’ll find our ever-expanding directory of UK makers with details on their origins, products and more.
These are short-form entries - distilled intelligence on heritage, provenance and why these brands deserve a place in your collection. As our field research continues, we’ll produce full photographic reviews in The Edit.
JOSEPH MARPLES - Sheffield, England
The Heritage: Not to be confused with the mass-market "Marples" brand, Joseph Marples is a fifth-generation family firm that has produced its "Trial 1" tools in Sheffield since 1840.
The Verdict: The joiner's choice. These tools are built using traditional brass-inlaid rosewood and ebony, offering a level of tactile precision and longevity that modern plastic alternatives cannot match.
Core Products: Premium woodworking marking and measuring tools, including try squares, mortice gauges and sliding bevels.