THE MAKING OF HISTORY
THE EPITOME OF BRITAINS DEMOCRACY
450 YEARS OF TRADITION
CREATING MOMENTS IN TIME
We are Barrow Hepburn and Gale
We have been through many moments in time.
We have witnessed history and the making of history.
We have been present at the darkest of hours and at the dawn of a new.
We have served 6 British Monarchs, 35 Prime Ministers…And one or two Presidents of the United States.
For 261 years, we have created moments in time.
Established in 1760, Barrow Hepburn & Gale is a luxury British leather goods company, internationally known as the manufacturer of the iconic red Despatch Boxes; a symbol of the British democratic system and our constitutional monarchy. Our Despatch Boxes are interwoven with our nation’s history, being used by successive sovereigns and prime ministers, carrying documents that have taken us to war, ensured peace and shaped our history.
Revered for our craftsmanship that is handed down from generation to generation, we have an unbroken chain of makers whose skills have been passed from one master craftsman to his apprentice since 1760. Over 250 years of experience and skills go into each handmade Barrow Hepburn & Gale product.
We are a discreet private company, providing a personal service to the British Sovereign, foreign Heads of State, governments, government officials and representatives and a small, select cadre of private clients.
Despatch Boxes or ‘Red Boxes’, are a visible symbol of our democratic system of government. They ensure the efficient and secure transportation of sensitive documents that impact the United Kingdom and our relations with other countries.
They contain the state decisions that are made by The Queen, the Prime Minister and other ministers. Each day the papers contained in the Despatch Boxes are prepared for the Sovereign, and her ministers by their private offices. Papers included usually require decisions. Other papers include briefing papers and papers for meetings. Red Boxes follow their holder around the world, ensuring they can execute the responsibilities of their office. Wherever in the world the Sovereign or Minister is, the Red Box is close by.
Our despatch boxes are not only an elegant design, but are functional and secure. Former Prime Minister, David Cameron, described the despatch box as “a product of beautiful craftsmanship but also as being robust, sturdy, durable, reliable - the epitome of Britain’s democracy.”
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