Maitland-Smith was founded in 1979 by a well-known London antique dealer and designer.  The company was founded in Hong Kong to reproduce eighteenth century furniture and decorative accessories. The business started with the reproduction of chippendale mahogany dining chairs.  Other finely carved and hand-crafted reproductions followed.  Sourcing efforts were conducted throughout Southeast Asia to find and blend unique materials popularized in eighteenth century designs.  These materials included bronze, brass, porcelain, coromandel, wrought iron, leather, shagreen,  lacquer and eggshell. 

In 1981 Maitland-Smith shifted its base from Hong Kong to the Philippines and built the company's own manufacturing operation.  This allowed Maitland-Smith to create a broader product offering and exercise greater control over manufacturing quality, while giving added freedom to the company's classically trained designers.   Below is the plant in the Philippines. New materials and finishes flourished such as rattan, stone mosaic, coconut shell inlay, faux tortoise shell, penshell inlay, mother of pearl, faux malachite, petrified wood, fossil stone and others. Some of the many processes used by Maitland-Smith artisans include intricate marquetry and shell inlay, reverse painted glass, hand-carving of wood,  hand-painting and gilding, metal work and lost-wax brass casting.  These are examples of inlaid marquetry.  The table below also has cast brass feet and gilding.  Besides traditional forms, Maitland-Smith lighting and accessories are often whimsical. The monkey lamp is a time-honored best seller and features many of the processes Maitland-Smith does so well.  The monkey is cast brass, the shade is inlaid penshell, and the books and ball are inlaid leather with gold tooling. Today Maitland-Smith continues its tradition of offering the finest artisan-crafted furniture, lighting and decorative accessories in classic as well as transitional styles.   Additionally, there is a designer collection, Celerie Kemble for Maitland-Smith.  The Celerie Kemble accessories and lighting complement her upholstery and case pieces at sister company, Henredon.