As we continue on our journey towards a more sustainable future, it is vitally important to Alexandra that we respect the valuable resources that make what we do possible: nature’s raw materials, our skilled staff and the expert hands of our craftspeople.
Sustainability is embedded in our culture at Alexandra Llewellyn. In the video above, Alexandra explains how it underpins everything we do. From the sourcing of our materials to the games we create, our products, which are either made to order or in very limited runs, are inherently sustainable.
For our presentation and shipping packaging, we work exclusively with UK workshops specialising in recycled and recyclable materials. Our presentation boxes are made from responsibly sourced cardboard by Tiny Box Company, a Sedex-certified business and Britain’s leading manufacturer of sustainable and ethical packaging. Comprising at least 75% recycled paper, the maker of our recyclable, biodegradable cardboard shipping boxes is WH Skinner, while our ribbons are made from recycled plastic drinking bottles.
I am delighted to support the amazing work of charities I have long admired —explore some of my recent partnerships below.
ALEXANDRA llewellyn
This one-of-a-kind board honours the tireless work undertaken by The Blue Marine Foundation to protect our seas. Displaying Alexandra’s signature tongue-in-cheek humour, a seahorse, seal, oyster, shark and lobster have migrated from warmer seas to hide out in the cold depths of Britain’s kelp forests. All proceeds support Blue Marine’s ongoing work to restore the ocean to health.
Alexandra collaborated with fashion and nature photographer Kristian Schmidt on a bespoke backgammon board to support WildAid, a charity working to protect wildlife and vital habitats from critical threats. The board showcases Kristian’s whale shark photo series, alongside ethereal women. Each playing piece is engraved with names of the world’s most endangered species in English and Latin.
Alexandra’s Calla lily backgammon board was created in collaboration with the Terrence Higgins Trust. The UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, Alexandra chose the Calla lily, an ancient fertility symbol, as a fitting tribute to their vital work. Crafted in Macassar ebony wood and a limited edition of 10, 20% of every sale is donated to the trust.
All of the veneers and woods used in our marquetry products and boxes are sustainable, with many, including characterful London Oak, sourced locally from within Europe. Thanks to our close relationships with our suppliers, we can trace each piece of wood back to its original source — a numbered tree.
We continue to find new ways to directly benefit the local communities that our materials originate from. Recently, we partnered with the Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Afghanistan to create a range of semi-precious playing pieces crafted from Afghan stones.
Wherever possible, we choose natural, water-based polishes and lacquers, and tanned leathers from sustainable local sources that have been treated using a minimal amount of chemicals.
The techniques we use to bring Alexandra’s designs to life have extraordinary roots and traditions. Our UK-based artisans include marquetry experts, master joiners, a leather artist and a specialist in hand-lacquering, who apply their time-honoured skills to create our products, helping to preserve these heritage crafts for future generations to appreciate.
Our commitment to sustainability is shared by our suppliers, who we are regularly in contact with. We know the people who craft our products personally and love to pay them visits to watch them at work.
If you have any questions relating to sourcing or sustainability at Alexandra Llewellyn, please get in touch.
