St. Nicolas' small, London-based team is dedicated to creating fun, interesting and meaningful keepsakes.
For over 30 years they have worked with a small Christian charity in Thailand that helps women in rural areas find work within their community rather than having to leave home to work in a city. Some 300 skilled women work at home hand sewing their decorations and many have been part of the team for more than 10 years. Their ever-growing range of figures are made by this team as well as many of their building façade decorations.
As the business grew and more and more innovative designs were needed, St. Nicolas began working with their Indian partner and for more than 20 years have had a flourishing relationship with them. These Indian decorations are made using the traditional method of zardozi embroidery. Zari – meaning gold – embroidery originated in Persia and reached India in the 12th century. This is a highly skilled technique that traditionally used gold wires and jewels to embellish courtly robes. Today zardozi work is a rare and respected craft and is recognized as one of the ‘Ancient Handicrafts’ by the Government of India. The skill is handed down from generation to generation. St. Nicolas continues to support the same family-run business in Northern India that it has since 1999.
At St. Nicolas they are incredibly proud of the provenance of their products. All of the London based team visits the suppliers regularly and communicates with them on an almost daily basis. This close and long-term working relationship means that they are able to supply unique, handmade designs at competitive prices while at the same time ensuring the welfare of their artisans.
We are a proud member of BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Suppliers) and supports the 10 Principles of Fair Trade, as set out by the World Fair Trade Organisation.
