Martin Gill on how Vispring is celebrating 125 years of brilliant bedmaking

As Vispring prepares to mark a century-and-a-quarter in business, we speak to the British bedmaker's Managing Director, Martin Gill, about how brand's history continues to guide his decision making and the ways in which his company will be recognising this momentous milestone.

Walpole: You were appointed as Managing Director of Vispring in 2023. What has the proudest achievement of your tenure been so far?

Martin Gill: This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone at Vispring, our 125th anniversary. It’s a moment of real pride for me personally, and one that belongs to far more than just the brand. It belongs to the global community of people who have shaped Vispring over the years – our craftspeople, colleagues, suppliers, retail partners, and, of course, our customers who welcome Vispring into their homes.

As Vispring prepares to celebrate this momentous anniversary, what are the key values that have ensured the brand’s longevity – and how are you honouring these in the present day?

From the very beginning, Vispring has stood for one simple belief: that how the world sleeps truly matters. We have always believed a bed is far more than a place to rest: it is the heart of the home, and a place of restoration, connection, memory, and sanctuary. Our story began with a deeply personal act of love when a husband invented the individual pocket spring for his wife to give her the ultimate comfort. That single innovation transformed sleep around the world, and it continues to inspire everything we do today.

What’s one way that your customer is still the same as 125 years ago – and one way they are totally different?

For our customers, the desire for unparalleled comfort without compromise remains the same as it did 125 years ago. Customers today are far more informed, and this is the main difference between customers in 2026 and 1901. At Vispring, we strive to be as transparent as possible, which includes ensuring all of the material used to make our products is fully traceable. Today’s consumer buys with intention, which is why it is more important to us than ever to keep customers informed on the manufacturing process, our ongoing commitment to sustainability, and to help them to understand the story behind each Vispring product.

Vispring is one of the only remaining UK manufacturers to make its own springs, each one sewn into individual calico pockets and hand nested, using natural twine. This method ensures the springs are responsive to every movement. The result is a rare balance of precision and artistry – products designed not only to endure, but to become better with time. At its core, Vispring is more than a brand; it is a community built on care, craftsmanship, and pride in doing things the right way.

What is your vision for the brand – and what are your measures of success?

As we look ahead, our ambition is clear: to bring exceptional sleep to more homes around the world, while staying true to who we are and what has always set us apart. Not flashy but understated, recognised for our honesty, integrity and authenticity. A brand that is recognised the world over and feels like home wherever you are. Success for me is to continue to grow our thriving network of happy partners and consumers in every continent of the globe. Our aim is to have a Vispring branded store in the top 50 cities of the world.

What has been a challenge you have had to overcome at Vispring – and how did you do it?

The past few years have certainly been a challenge, with unpredictability in the market causing uncertainty for many. The luxury bed industry has remained resilient in spite of this, and we enter our 125th anniversary year feeling positive and excited. By remaining true to our core values and continuing to invest in the brand and the people that make it so special, we have been able to maintain the brand’s leading position in the market despite global uncertainty.

What do you think makes a great British luxury brand circa now?

British luxury is quietly confident, and defined by exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. In a time of overconsumption, true British luxury is defined by true quality and substance and backed by an ongoing commitment to craft, integrity and expertise. What makes a Vispring mattress so luxurious, for example, is the 125 years of heritage and a continued dedication to perfect time-honoured techniques. Each of our mattresses are still handcrafted using the traditional method of hand side stitching, a craft skill that has been passed down the generations and can take up to eight hours for one mattress, giving strength and stability.

How are you celebrating your anniversary this year?

We plan to mark this milestone anniversary throughout the year and we have already started our anniversary messaging across our key social channels. We will once again attend Salone del Mobile in Milan this April, which will include a nod to our anniversary but also a look to the future with the launch of an exciting designer collaboration amongst other key launches. There will be other moments across the year including being the official bed partner at Wow!House at the Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, to a new coffee table book to be published at the end of the year.

What’s the next big trend in luxury retail (and how are you embracing it)?

In this digital age, luxury retail is definitely returning to bricks and mortar with an increasing emphasis on in-person shopping experiences. Luxury consumers want to feel a connection to the brands that they buy from, and increasing investments into in-store experiences allows brands to connect with shoppers face-to-face, and for customers to discover and feel the products before making a purchase.

2025 was a significant year for us. Along with the launch of our new website and a comprehensive brand refresh, we grew our global physical showroom presence with several new openings across the USA, Milan, and in the UK, and we have more upcoming for 2026 in Asia, the USA and other key global markets.

vispring.com