Bespoke, Luxury Country Kitchens
28th June 2025
Mark Wilkinson, widely known as The Godfather of English Kitchens, was a true pioneer in the world of luxury kitchen design. His influence shaped the standards of bespoke kitchens globally, and his eponymous brand Mark Wilkinson Kitchens continues to be revered by discerning homeowners, designers and even royalty.
Mark sadly passed away on 5th July 2017, at the age of 66, but his legacy lives on in every hand-crafted detail and timeless kitchen he created.
A Remarkable Encounter at Grand Designs Live
I had the honour of meeting Mark Wilkinson personally while Broadway Kitchens was exhibiting at Grand Designs Live at the NEC in Birmingham. We were showcasing our bespoke kitchen ranges, including a uniquely designed two-tier kitchen island - an eye-catching centrepiece that drew considerable attention.
One of my colleagues, Linda, noticed a gentleman with a striking moustache who had visited our stand twice. He appeared deeply engrossed in examining our kitchen island. She guessed he might be from the trade, possibly even a competitor.
On one of the show days, the mystery man returned. This time, he approached Linda and asked, "Did you design this island?" She replied, "No, my colleague Satt designed it."
At that exact moment, I had just picked up my lunch tray from the cafeteria. Then my phone rang: it was Linda. "Satt, there’s someone named Mark Wilkinson here who would like to meet you."
I was stunned. Everyone in the high-end kitchen industry knows the name Mark Wilkinson. I left my lunch behind and rushed straight to the stand.
Words of Recognition I’ll Never Forget
Mark greeted me with a handshake and said, "Did you design this island?" "Yes, I did," I replied. He smiled and said, "It’s very thoughtfully designed. It’s refreshing to meet someone who truly knows how to design professionally."
He was curious about the inspiration behind the island’s layered, two-tier structure and elegant form. But I turned the conversation back to him: "Forget about that Mark; what inspired you to get into kitchen design?"
We ended up having a heartfelt conversation for nearly an hour. He shared stories about how he started Mark Wilkinson Furniture and his passion for bespoke craftsmanship. We even spoke about another legendary name in kitchen design; Charlie Smallbone, founder of Smallbone of Devizes.
It was a genuine and humble exchange, one I’ll always treasure.
A Legacy that Lives On
Mark Wilkinson was more than a designer; he was a visionary, a craftsman and an inspiration to everyone in the bespoke kitchen industry. His passion, attention to detail and belief in quality British craftsmanship helped elevate kitchen design to an art form.
When I learned of his passing, I felt a deep sadness. He had left an undeniable mark not only on the industry, but also on those lucky enough to meet him.
Even today, Mark Wilkinson Kitchens and Smallbone of Devizes remain two of the most respected names in the world of luxury handmade kitchens. At Broadway Kitchens, we continue to draw inspiration from their legacy creating bespoke kitchens that blend timeless beauty with modern functionality.
