Jakar International

Welcome to Jakar International, a family-run business that has been supplying artist materials and a range of stationery and craft products throughout the UK and Ireland for 70 years. Our company was established in 1949 by Lydia Sacki, whose family had earlier immigrated to England from Germany. Since then, we have been committed to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service to our loyal customer base.

Our History

Jakar International has a rich history, with its roots dating back to the post-war era. Our founder, Lydia Sacki, started the business by importing drawing instruments and cuckoo clocks from Germany. Over the years, the company has grown and expanded, with our current Managing Director, who joined the business in 1979, taking the reins in 2015. We have established close relationships with renowned manufacturers such as Caran d'Ache, and have become their exclusive UK and Ireland distributors for nearly 60 years.

Our Services

At Jakar International, we pride ourselves on our extensive range of products, which cater to the needs of artists, craft enthusiasts, and educators. Our product portfolio includes fine art materials, artists' quality watercolour paints, stifflex artWORK pads, art and craft materials, craft knives and blades, cutting mats, drawing instruments, erasers, pencil sharpeners and accessories, portfolios and telescopic tubes, rulers, stationery, and templates and stencils. We also offer a range of services, including regular catalogues and promotions, to support our customers in their businesses.

Our Commitment

As a distributor, we believe our purpose in the supply chain is to support and not to compete with our loyal customers. We have resisted the temptation to enter the online channel and sell direct to the public, choosing instead to focus on providing exceptional service and support to our customers. Our goal is to continue the long tradition started by our ancestors of bringing innovative and high-quality art and craft products to the UK and Irish markets, while maintaining and improving the high level of service offered to our customers.

Our Values

At Jakar International, we value our relationships with our customers and suppliers, and are committed to building long-term partnerships that are mutually beneficial. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, and to continually improving and expanding our product range to meet the evolving needs of our customers.