Charles Edwards is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of 19th and 20th Century inspired English, French and American lighting in London. His boutiques are located on the iconic Kings Road London, in the heart of London's interiors shopping district. 

Charles inspired us with some ideas when he told us about his day to day life in Chelsea. 

''The morning drive from Notting Hill Gate to my King's Road Shops is interrupted by a walk with our 2 lurchers in Kensington Gardens.  If there is time before the day starts in the shops I'll have breakfast in Megan's which my next door neighbour in the Kings Road.

The day varies enormously. I visit our workshop in Wimbledon and discuss new products with the team working there and to see the progress of orders.  I have several meetings with my MD, Alastair Hepher, who knows everything that's going on in the business.  Sometimes a celebrity visits the shops which brightens the day for the sales staff, and I like to be available if any customers want to discuss particular aspects of their order with me. 

Two of my shops deal exclusively with lighting, the third shop specialises in door furniture and alabaster dish lights and some of my antiques.  I like to keep abreast of current auctions to see if there is anything that might provide us with a new product.  My two favourite auctioneers are Holloway’s in Banbury, and Christies South Kensington.  Guinevere, my neighbour, has it’s store room opposite my other shop – and I watch shippers van’s after van collecting the beautiful things they have sold!

We stay open until 6pm which is important when dealing with customers in the USA, especially the West Coast.  Some 45% of our sales are to the USA.

Another walk is necessary about lunch time.  I have lunch at my desk unless I take, or am taken, to a business lunch at one of our local restaurants.  Our favourite is L'Antico in the next block to our shops; very good Italian food prepared by the owner, Franco"