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History
Learn more about the 100 year history of Dryad Education
Our History
Explore the rich history of Dryad Education through our detailed timeline, which showcases key milestones from our founding in 1907 to the present day. Discover how we've evolved from a small cane furniture manufacturer to a global leader in art, design, and technology supplies for education.
Founded
In 1907, Harry Peach along with his friend Benjamin Fletcher set up Dryad. They designed and manufactured cane furniture in Leicester. At the time, the market was dominated by European manufacturers, so Harry and Benjamin wanted to develop the local cane industry to compete and provide furniture suited more for the British market.
Dryad Handicrafts
During World War 1, Harry Peach began promoting craft work as a form of occupational therapy for the wounded servicemen and after the war started selling craft materials to educational establishment. By 1936, Dryad Handicrafts went on to become the largest supplier of craft materials in the world.
Reeves Dryad
In 1972, Dryad Handicrafts was taken over by Reeves & Sons. After the takeover the company went on to become known as Reeves Dryad. In 1974, the company was acquired by Reckitt and Colman who are famously known for household items including Colman’s Mustard! Reckitt and Colman hired over 100 staff and started producing and supplying Dryad craft kits for large catalogue retailers as well as wooden artist consumables such as easels.
Specialist Crafts
During the mid 80’s, sales to the education sector started to decline and by the late 80’s, the decision was made to close Reeves Dryad in Leicester. In 1991, Alan Beavon along with Paul Crick saw the potential to continue selling art materials, whilst expanding the range and offering educational establishments an affordable, quality alternative to leading brands. Beavon and Crick decided to move forward under the new brand name, Specialist Crafts.
Global Expansion
Dryad Education opened their Galway office in the Republic of Ireland to service this region. The Irish operation is led by John Costello supporting our growth in the region.
Global Expansion
Dryad Education expands further with a distribution centre in Dubai, this strategic move services the UAE customer base and expansion. Led by Sandeep Khele our UAE team offer a solution to all education supplies, in addition to art, design and technology supplies.
X-Range Launch
In 2017, Specialist Crafts launched their X-Range Acrylic paint range. The range, specifically designed to match the quality of the big brands, quickly became the number one acrylic paint sold to education and is now recognised globally by artists and educators.
Dryad Education
In 2020 the Beavon family decided to sell the business and David Edwards led an MBO. Today, Dryad Education has over 100 years of experience supplying educational establishments worldwide with leading art, textile and design & technology brands, including their best-selling Specialist Crafts range.
Founded
In 1907, Harry Peach along with his friend Benjamin Fletcher set up Dryad. They designed and manufactured cane furniture in Leicester. At the time, the market was dominated by European manufacturers, so Harry and Benjamin wanted to develop the local cane industry to compete and provide furniture suited more for the British market.
Dryad Handicrafts
During World War 1, Harry Peach began promoting craft work as a form of occupational therapy for the wounded servicemen and after the war started selling craft materials to educational establishment. By 1936, Dryad Handicrafts went on to become the largest supplier of craft materials in the world.
Reeves Dryad
In 1972, Dryad Handicrafts was taken over by Reeves & Sons. After the takeover the company went on to become known as Reeves Dryad. In 1974, the company was acquired by Reckitt and Colman who are famously known for household items including Colman’s Mustard! Reckitt and Colman hired over 100 staff and started producing and supplying Dryad craft kits for large catalogue retailers as well as wooden artist consumables such as easels.
Specialist Crafts
During the mid 80’s, sales to the education sector started to decline and by the late 80’s, the decision was made to close Reeves Dryad in Leicester. In 1991, Alan Beavon along with Paul Crick saw the potential to continue selling art materials, whilst expanding the range and offering educational establishments an affordable, quality alternative to leading brands. Beavon and Crick decided to move forward under the new brand name, Specialist Crafts.
Global Expansion
Dryad Education opened their Galway office in the Republic of Ireland to service this region. The Irish operation is led by John Costello supporting our growth in the region.
Global Expansion
Dryad Education expands further with a distribution centre in Dubai, this strategic move services the UAE customer base and expansion. Led by Sandeep Khele our UAE team offer a solution to all education supplies, in addition to art, design and technology supplies.
X-Range Launch
In 2017, Specialist Crafts launched their X-Range Acrylic paint range. The range, specifically designed to match the quality of the big brands, quickly became the number one acrylic paint sold to education and is now recognised globally by artists and educators.
Dryad Education
In 2020 the Beavon family decided to sell the business and David Edwards led an MBO. Today, Dryad Education has over 100 years of experience supplying educational establishments worldwide with leading art, textile and design & technology brands, including their best-selling Specialist Crafts range.