September 2025 marks 40 years since Steven Marks and Sarah Ayling established their business Marks & Ayling. In 1985, they began the company with their upholstery workshop on Tangmere Airfield in the old officer’s mess where they built their reputation and clientele.
In 1995, Sarah established the Marks & Ayling showroom in Petworth at New Street House converting the Building Society offices into a showroom space. Alongside Blacksmith Mark Clarke the showroom showcased furniture with an emphasis on the traditional crafts of metal work and upholstery.
Steve oversaw the workshop, now on Warehead Farm in Halnaker, where it is still today. Here Steve honed his skills whilst also training apprentices to keep the craft alive, using traditional stuff and stitch methods. Marks & Ayling were sort out for their skills in fabric walling which led to their part in the Estée Lauder Mayfair offices where Steve and his team applied Watts 1874 silk to the walls in a custom blue. Another local project of note was the upholstery in West Dean College, including walling the room at the top of the iconic surrealist footprint staircase – just as Edward James had intended it to be.
Marks & Ayling’s Petworth showroom led to the natural progression to interior design projects – whilst maintaining upholstery at the heart of the business – leading to a creative aesthetic which champions craftsmanship and history. Sarah diversified the company to fulfil the vision built with their clients, constructing a trusted team of designers and curtain makers and building relationships with decorative trades.
The portfolio of Mark’s & Ayling’s projects is a testament to Sarah’s creativity paired with Steve’s skill, working in the local area, London and beyond. The design team’s knowledge and personal touch have attracted many clients wanting to utilise the unique amalgamation of designers and craftsmen. This approach has meant Marks & Ayling have played a part in the history of local homes – working with the previous owners of Pitshill and within the private quarters of Arundel Castle.
The Marks & Ayling showroom, now located on the Petworth High Street offers displays designed to inspire – pieces created in their workshop using a selection of fabric houses whom they have built long-standing relationships with. Sarah’s daughter Freya, now a part of the company, is the same age as Sarah when she started Marks & Ayling. Along with aiding in interiors projects, Freya conceptualises and curates the showroom’s displays and selection of homewares.
The Showroom is open Monday to Saturday if you would like to pop in to discuss your interior design, upholstery or window treatment needs with Sarah and her team.