About Us
When Nick Martel started Avant Garden in the March of 2000 it opened as an eclectic mix of garden + home products. Part of the offering way back then were cowhide rugs, bean bags and sheepskin throws.
Nick has always had an attraction to the stunning patterns and the possibility to enjoy the natural fleeces + hides giving them an extended life.
When Nick Martel started Avant Garden in the March of 2000 it opened as an eclectic mix of garden + home products. Part of the offering way back then were cowhide rugs, bean bags and sheepskin throws.
Nick has always had an attraction to the stunning patterns and the possibility to enjoy the natural fleeces + hides giving them an extended life.
From the very early years, Nick met up with a very established tanning company. And a great relationship has evolved over the 25 years.
More recently Nick was asked if it was possible to make a Guernsey Cow Cowhide Beanbag – the challenge was, our hides are not actually able to be tanned on Guernsey so English “Guernsey” breed are used. It turns out that it takes two large cowhides to make one large beanbag and there are also lots of off cuts left over. Thus the small gift ideas came to the forefront.
All of our fleeces and hides are ethically sourced and everything is 100% Biodegradable, upcycled and a by-product.
The idea of this Collection is to bring together some unique gift ideas and home accessories that are hardwearing. All come with a lifetime guarantee and carrying the Avant Garden brand logo.
Interestingly the Golden Guernsey Cow can be found as far afield as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Japan, India, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. 97% of all fleeces and cowhides worldwide end up being incinerated or go into landfill.
