From humble origins in the early 1900’s in East Sussex, England, through to worldwide accolades. The Newbery heritage combines tradition, legends, innovation and master craftsmen. The Newbery philosophy, the English heritage, their passion and legacy is still used and is emphatically understood today. After much hard work and success in his field, John founded John Newbery Ltd in 1981, perfectly encompassing those traditional skills and master craftsmanship within his work. As master batmaker, he created innovative and experimental bat designs with skill and success. It was John Newbery who was responsible for developing products such as the steel spring handle-a significant cricket bat innovation at the time. It wasn’t long before his reputation soared and his skills were revered worldwide. As John Newbery successfully grew the business, unfortunately his health began to deteriorate, but with passion fuelling both his business and his vision, he kept going. Sadly, John Newbery died in 1989; since his passing, he’s known as the Picasso of the profession. As you’d expect with first-class heritage, their philosophy remains the same today; whereby quality and performance of product, together with style always comes first. Newbery cricket bats begin their life as willow trees; these are carefully selected with each cleft individually assessed. Once it’s been favourably judged for its weight, grain and performance, it’s then chosen. It’s the Newbery processes, which sets us apart from many manufactures - specifically the pressing of the willow. Skill is required for every cleft; each requiring a different amount of pressure per square inch, to ensure optimum performance is gleaned. Each bat is given its character by the master craftsman who cuts and shaves the willow to a specified weight and balance, to make the best out of each cleft. The shaping and balancing of Newbery bats are done by hand and eye; it takes experience to get this right.