The mid-century modern movement in British furniture design revolutionised the way we perceive and appreciate furniture. This era, which spans from the 1940s to the 1970s, saw the emergence of several notable British furniture manufacturers and designers.
Here are some of the key names to look out for when shopping for British Mid Century Modern.
1. G-Plan:
G-Plan is arguably one of the most influential British furniture manufacturers of the mid-century modern era. Founded in 1898, G-Plan gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s for its high-quality, mass-produced furniture. Their designs embraced clean lines, organic forms, and functional simplicity. G-Plan's iconic designs, such as the "Fresco" range, became synonymous with the mid-century modern style and are still highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.
2. Ercol:
Founded by Italian-born Lucian Ercolani in 1920, Ercol is renowned for its handcrafted furniture that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design principles. Ercol's mid-century modern pieces often feature the use of solid woods, such as beech and elm, and exhibit a timeless elegance. The company's most iconic design, the "Windsor" chair, has become an emblem of British design and craftsmanship.
3. Robin Day:
Robin Day was a British furniture designer who played a significant role in shaping the mid-century modern movement. His designs were characterized by their functional simplicity and innovative use of materials. Day's most notable contribution to British furniture design is the iconic "Polypropylene Chair," which was first manufactured by Hille in 1963. This chair, known as the "Robin Day Chair," became an instant classic and is still in production today.
4. Eames of London:
Although primarily associated with the American mid-century modern movement, the Eameses also left a lasting impact on British furniture design. Charles and Ray Eames established their London office in 1948, where they produced a range of innovative furniture designs. Their plywood and fiberglass chairs, such as the "Eames Lounge Chair," became iconic symbols of modernity and comfort.
5. McIntosh:
McIntosh Furniture, founded by Charles McIntosh in the late 19th century, gained prominence during the mid-century modern era. The company's designs often featured sleek lines, teak wood, and Danish-inspired influences. McIntosh's furniture pieces, including sideboards, dining tables, and chairs, are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and timeless appeal.
4. Nathan Furniture:
Nathan Furniture is a brand that specialises in mid-century modern furniture. They are known for their teak furniture pieces, including dining tables, sideboards, and bedroom furniture.
5. Heal's:
Heal's is a British furniture retailer that has been in operation since the early 19th century. They have a long history of producing mid-century modern furniture, with a focus on high-quality craftsmanship and innovative design.
6. Gimson & Slater:
Gimson & Slater is a manufacturer that produced mid-century modern furniture during the 1950s and 1960s. They are known for their stylish and functional designs, particularly in their range of lounge chairs and sofas.
7. Beaver & Tapley:
Beaver & Tapley was popular during the mid-century modern era. They are known for their modular storage units and shelving systems, which were designed to be versatile and adaptable to different spaces.
8. Meredew:
Meredew is a British furniture manufacturer that produced mid-century modern furniture from the 1950s to the 1970s. They are known for their range of bedroom furniture, including wardrobes, chests of drawers, and dressing tables.
