1854
Antonio Arighi arrives in Macclesfield
Our story begins in 1854, with a long journey on foot from the shores of Lake Como in Northern Italy, over the Alps and across central Europe.
Our young adventurer, Antonio Arighi, heads for the silk town of Macclesfield in the North West of England, escaping the Civil War that was raging throughout Italy.
On arrival, he sets up shop, making clocks and barometers which he lends out to farmers on sale or return – a canny innovation that proves a real money-spinner and creates a loyal customer base.
1869
Antonio Bianchi Moves to England
The fledgling business quickly takes off and he’s soon joined by brother in law Antonio Bianchi, a master craftsman and cabinetmaker from the same Italian village of Casnate.
Together they create Arighi Bianchi, which gains a nationwide reputation and the patronage of Kings. During this period, they manufacture and sell high quality, handmade furniture upholstered in locally sourced silks and materials.
1883
New Premises in Macclesfield
As the business expands, the partners decide to move premises
and buy an old silk mill in the centre of Macclesfield on what is
now called the Silk Road.
1892
Construction of a New Landmark Store
Determined to inspire and innovate, the partners commission a
local builder, George Roylance, to renovate the mill and construct
a new four-storey building to complement the existing structure.
The building is more practical, with more space and gives the
family the chance to expand in a prime location.
Inspired by Joseph Paxton’s famous Crystal Palace built for the
1851 Great Exhibition in London, Roylance designs an iconic
façade featuring large Italianate plate glass windows.
1912
Arighi Bianchi’s First Delivery Van
After years of depending on horse drawn carriages to deliver their goods, Arighi Bianchi is the fi rst store in Macclesfield to use a motorised vehicle, a huge innovation.
1914 - 1918
Arighi Bianchi and World War One
When war broke out in August 1914 many family members and
staff volunteered to join the fi ght on the front line. A number of
our horses were also sent to join the war effort.
Between the wars, Antonio Bianchi’s eldest son, Enrico, sees
an opportunity and begins to import beautiful, unusual fabrics.
Customers are excited to see new tapestries, damasks, velvet and lace from all over Europe.
1925
Arighi Bianchi Diversifies into Tapestries
The wholesale fabric division does so well it threatens to swamp
the furniture side of the business, but Enrico’s youngest brother,
John Ernest, manages to keep things afl oat. During this time, the
Arighi family move back to Lake Como in Italy to strengthen the
Arighi Bianchi name abroad.
1939 - 1945
Arighi Bianchi and World War Two
During World War 2 Arighi Bianchi were commissioned by the
Ministry of Defence to manufacture and produce parachutes for
the RAF and The Airborne Division.
1955
Tony & Paul Bianchi Join the Business
In 1955 Antonio Bianchi’s grandchildren Anthony and Paul join
the family business. Their father John Ernest (or ‘Mr John’ as he’s
known) becomes chairman of the company.
1970
The Silk Road Petition
They secure investment and begin a programme of refurbishment, to modernise the store. Although the post-war years have been difficult, things start to look up again.
In 1970, the store is threatened with a compulsory purchase
order to make way for the new North-South Macclesfield ring
road. Anthony and Paul Bianchi fiercely defend their right to stay
put and are joined by some prestigious supporters. The protest
is successful and Arighi Bianchi receives the official recognition it
deserves, becoming a Grade II* listed building.
1985
Arighi Bianchi Spotted on BBC’s Prime Time News
While delivering furniture to a home in London, one of our
distinctive blue and gold vans was picked up by BBC cameras
in front of the Houses of Parliament, and shown on both the 6
o’clock and 9 o’clock news.
1988
‘Mr Paul’ Bianchi Opens Café Bar Arighi
Following a visit to Chicago in the US, Mr Paul returns to
Macclesfield intent on opening a new eatery at Arighi Bianchi.
Inspired by the café at Marshall Field’s department store, he opens Café Bar Arighi, selling freshly made cakes and refreshments.
1992
The New Silk Road
The newly built Silk Road in Macclesfield now runs right alongside
the iconic Arighi Bianchi store narrowly skirting the front entrance by just four feet! A remarkable feat of planning that preserves this
historic landmark store while allowing modern infrastructure to
take shape.
2004
Arighi Bianchi Celebrates It’s 150th Anniversary
To commemorate our 150th anniversary, Arighi Bianchi
commissions local brewery, Storm, to create an artisan beer,
AB150. This easy drinking session ale is available to buy in cask.
2007
Delivery Van Painted Pink to Support Breast Cancer Awareness
Launched in September 2007, one of our 7.5 tonne vehicles is
painted pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness: over three
months, the newly painted van is used for deliveries and with
every delivery we donate £5 to the charity.
2014
160 Years in Business and in the Family
In 2014 we celebrated our 160th Anniversary. Arighi Bianchi is
now the longest-running family-owned furniture business in the UK.
2021
The Fifth-Generation of Arighi Bianchi
Today the immediate descendants of Antonio Bianchi hold the
reins at the store. This means that the principles, ethics and
standards fi rst established by both Antonio Bianchi and Antonio
Arighi, in the mid-nineteenth century are still adhered to today.
2024
170 Years of Arighi Bianchi
Arighi Bianchi marks a milestone 170 years in business,
in unforgettable style. From revealing stunning in-store
refurbishments to hosting a joyful community birthday celebration,
the year was brimming with special moments. The Bianchi family
also unveiled Il Giornale, our luxury newspaper-style publication,
all while upholding the Arighi Bianchi values, service and quality
that have been known and loved for almost two centuries.
