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Hello, World! Welcome to our website! Here, we hope to showcase our furniture designs that are elegant, timeless and functional. Although our furniture has been around for over 150 years, it is only now that we are making our first foray into the digital space. We sincerely hope to convey the rich history of our company and the promise of quality and excellence through our work. Below, we will talk about who we are, where it all started and what we do. We hope you will follow us, and be part of our journey of continuous exploration and innovation. We are excited to see where this leads. We hope you are too.
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The stories that we will showcase have been passed down from generation to generation. The authenticity of some stories remain a mystery while the authenticity of others are pieced together from old catalogues, antique dealers and eyewitnesses.
Pictured here is the road inside our factory leading up to our manufacturing facilities. Our artisans have worked with us for decades, some of whom have passed down their skills from one generation to the next. We feel fortunate that they have chosen to work with us. They are an invaluable part of our company.
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The furniture business was set up by Mohammad Hayat in Jhelum in pre-partition India in 1870. Mohammad Hayat along with his three brothers expanded the business all over India & made the name M. Hayat & Bros. furniture synonymous with quality, durability and excellence.
Pictured here is Wali Mohammad Hayat, second of the four Hayat bothers.
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According to stories passed down, the business was started when the Hayat brothers were asked to supply lumber for cartridge boxes needed during the Kashmir war in 1819. At that point, the brothers realised that there was a huge opportunity in the furniture making sector. By combining their business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, they established their eponymous company. The brand’s reputation for elegant and quality furniture spread across the subcontinent. It was then that they were appointed to be the official producers of furniture for His Royal Highness King George V when His Royal Highness visited India on March 22, 1911.
Pictured here is the catalogue from 1930s that shows the Royal insignia.
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After the partition of the subcontinent, the family moved the business to Gujrat, Pakistan. The brothers went their separate ways and each pursued other ventures alongside their furniture business. In 1936, Abdul Aziz, son of Wali Mohammad Hayat, inherited his father’s furniture business in Peshawar, Pakistan. Pictured above is Abdul Aziz.
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Abdul Aziz further grew the business and was regarded as a creative and astute businessman in his own right. His clientele included the Shah of Iran, for whom he produced pieces for Iran’s 2,500 Year Celebration in 1971. A close friend of King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan, he also provided pieces for his palaces. Not only that, in 1961 when President Ayub Khan made a state visit to The United States, he gifted Mrs. Kennedy a rocking chair and an ornamental carved horse that was later auctioned after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The details of this story is featured on Julien’s Auction site (julienslive.com).
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In 1990, after the death of Abdul Aziz, the business was inherited by his eldest son, Khalid Aziz & his wife Nilofar Aziz. After attending Oxford & Cambridge University, Khalid Aziz joined the Pakistan Civil Service. Nilofar Aziz now runs the business, creating new designs and helping clients realise their unique ideas.
Whether you like some of our designs or would like us to make custom pieces, we are here to help. We hope to build on what our ancestors have given us, and to serve you with the same integrity and honesty as they did.