Whitby is a historic fishing town nestled between the expansive North York Moors and the crashing waves of the North Sea. Its past is rich with coastal industries that continue in the town today.
Whitby harbour was once crowded with Herring boats. Picture: Sid Weatherill
Take a stroll around the harbour and you might hear the clank of Fishing trawlers being constructed by Parkol Marine. The Fish Market still welcomes trawlers landing their catches in the early hours and there is even a nod to the old whaling traditions with the whalebone arches framing one of Whitby’s most iconic views.
Fishing trawler Victory Rose built at Parkol Marine in Whitby. Picture: Ceri Oakes
But Whitby has also evolved over time, attracting many creatives to its shores, most famously inspiring Bram Stoker to pen his novel Dracula.
Today Whitby welcomes many a visitor looking to explore the town and enjoy the spectacular views. The offerings of excellently cooked sea food and independent shops draw them back year on year.
A glimpse of Whitby Abbey through the famous whalebones. Picture: Ceri Oakes
When we began our family business it was important to us to discover brands that compliment the history of the town, products with their own story to tell. Our family were born and bred in Whitby in fact our children’s great grandfather took the old photos you see on this page.
Here are four of our favourite brands made right here on our doorstep in Whitby.
ART DISCO
Founded by Lucy Catherwood and Marie France, ART DISCO is a brand inspired by the sea, adventure and nostalgia. Handprinted in their Whitby studio each product comes in a quirky box you will want to treasure as much as the item itself. Eco ink and no plastic means the products fit with our ethos of caring for the environment, something you can’t ignore when you live on an ever evolving coastline.
The nautical inspired Breton by ART DISCO
Berties of Bay
Just North of Whitby in the village of Robin Hood’s Bay is Berties. Transforming old sea-faring traditions into new and cool garments. The characterful shop is a great stop-off for coffee and cake and a browse. At Furbellow & Co we stock the traditional Whitby Gansey and co-ordinating beanie which go down a storm with our customers.
Brothers Liam and Mark Parkin wearing Whitby Ganseys on the West Pier.
Whitby Gin
The award-winning Whitby Gin is made with signature botanicals hand-foraged here on the north Yorkshire coast. The gin is a staple for all lovers of Whitby and the sea. Distilled in small-batches into beautifully designed bottles, what is not to love.
Whitby Gin’s Old Tom, a sweeter victorian-style gin with native botanicals and a hint of honey.
Smugglers Treasures
Inspired by her love of the sea and travel, Geri Atkinson creates unique hand-crafted jewellery from her Whitby studio. Created for Furbellow & Co, Geri has designed these Whitby-inspired cufflinks made with eco silver. Each pair is hammered by hand giving it a unique patina.
Whitby cufflinks handmade by Geri in her Whitby studio.
