Our Story
​Founded 50 years ago, Baresque Group is a global leader in design-driven commercial interior and public space solutions. The company's portfolio includes Baresque Australia (distributor of wallcoverings, fabrics and acoustics), Zintra (acoustic solutions), Botton + Gardiner (public space furniture and waste solutions) and func. (creative space division). With a focus on innovation, sustainability, performance and exceptional design, Baresque Group continues to transform commercial and public spaces worldwide.
Crafting exceptional spaces, globally.​
From our humble beginnings as a Sydney-based wallcovering distributor in 1975, Baresque Group has evolved into a global leader in the distribution of textiles, product design and manufacturing for the architecture and design industry. Driven by the vision of founder John Blaiklock, we've always been grounded in integrity, innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality.​​​
​
Today, under the leadership of John's grandsons, JJ and Angus, we continue to build on this legacy. Our journey has seen us expand our capabilities, developing our own brands and engineering our own products. Through strategic acquisitions like Jarvis (specialist metal fabrication) and Botton + Gardiner (public space furniture design and manufacturing), we've broadened our expertise and product offerings. The launch of our brand, Zintra Acoustic Solutions in 2013, marked a significant milestone, leading to our expansion into North America, Europe and Asia. And more recently, in 2020, we introduced func., our dedicated acoustic space division brand.​​
​​​
With over 100 dedicated team members across 3 continents, including our Sydney headquarters, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Dallas and Brussels, we've established a robust network of localised expertise in design, sales, manufacturing and distribution.
​
Over 50 years, we've remained committed to building authentic business relationships and creating spaces that inspire.
The journey
In 1975, most men John Blaiklock's age were retiring. But John was an entrepreneur whose business passion never wavered. When a phone call came about a bankrupt Sydney wallpaper importer, he saw opportunity where others saw risk.​
​
John, his son Richard and daughter Gay, convened together to start the Baresque journey. Each brought unique professional skills, John, a career on the boards of large public institutions, Richard, marketing and property management and Gay, with international trade experience and interior design training.​
​
These skills combined possessed an intuitive aesthetic sensibility that would define the brand. What began as a speculative acquisition became a family legacy.
​​
The naming of Baresque​
Baresque’s name came from a clever combination of their supplier ‘Borden Chemical's’ name and the Blaiklock family name.​
Unexpectedly, their timing coincided with a popular TV sitcom where a character would dramatically declare she was about to "go beresk"—unbeknownst to the new owners.
​
​
