Ercol Furniture is one of the most recognisable names in British furniture design, and looking back at the history of Ercol furniture it is renowned for its craftsmanship, elegant designs, and long-lasting appeal. Founded in the early 20th century, Ercol has played a significant role in shaping modern British interiors. This blog delves into the history of Ercol furniture, its influence on furniture design, and its continued relevance in today’s homes.
Your Guide to Finding New and Vintage Ercol Furniture
If you’re interested in purchasing new or vintage Ercol furniture, you’re in the right place! I’ll guide you toward some of the best retailers and trusted sources, ensuring you find the perfect piece to suit your home and style preferences. Whether you’re after classic vintage designs or contemporary Ercol items, I’ll point you in the right direction. Below are a few recommendations on where to source your Ercol Furniture.
Ercol Furniture For Sale at RetroNovia – One Stop Vintage Shop
Take a look at what our shop – RetroNovia has to offer in the vintage Ercol range. Our Ercol furniture always sells quickly so if you snooze you lose !
Our range of vintage Ercol Furniture you can view here.
Why does our furniture sell out so quickly?
All of our furniture is restored, cleaned or upcycled for re-sale. If the piece of furniture does not need fully restoring we will professionally clean the original finish to remove ingrained dirt and restore lustre.
If the Furniture needs a bit more attention we will restore the item by removing old varnish and then steaming any stain or dents out of the wood. Any stains are treated and removed where possible. Loose or dry joints are cleaned and re-glued. The wood is then sanded to a smooth finish.
Finally items are professionally re-finished by adding a new finish to the furniture such as varnish or quality wax and giving the piece of furniture a new lease of life while sympathetically keeping its patina.
The Beginnings of Ercol: A Dream Born from Craftsmanship
Ercol was founded in 1920 by Italian-born Lucian Ercolani, who had moved to the UK with his family as a young boy. Ercolani studied furniture making and honed his craft in High Wycombe, an area famous for furniture production. His vision for Ercol was to create high-quality, affordable furniture that combined traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques.
From the very start, the history of Ercol furniture’s ethos focused on producing practical, well-designed furniture. Ercolani believed that good design should be both functional and beautiful, and this approach helped Ercol stand out in the competitive furniture market.
Post-War Innovation: The Windsor Chair and Mass Production
It wasn’t until after World War II that Ercol truly gained widespread recognition. In 1944, the British government commissioned Ercol to produce 100,000 chairs as part of its Utility Furniture Scheme, designed to help furnish homes in the post-war era. This provided Ercol with the opportunity to experiment with mass production techniques, an innovation that would become a hallmark of the brand.
One of Ercol’s most iconic designs, the Windsor Chair, emerged during this period. The Windsor chair’s unique combination of solid wood and sleek lines exemplified Ercol’s design philosophy. It became a staple in British homes, beloved for its simplicity and durability.
Modernist Influence and the Mid-Century Boom
The mid-century period marked a golden age for Ercol, as it became closely associated with the modernist movement that was sweeping the design world. Ercol’s minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired designs were perfectly in line with the tastes of the era. Simple, elegant forms made from solid wood – often elm or beech – became the trademark of Ercol furniture.
Ercol’s designs from this era, such as the Butterfly Chair and Plank Table, remain highly sought after by collectors today. The furniture’s clean lines, natural materials, and timeless aesthetic fit seamlessly into both contemporary and classic interiors.
A Family Business with a Timeless Appeal
Though Lucian Ercolani passed away in 1976, the Ercol brand has remained a family-run business. Ercol has continued to evolve, blending modern technologies with its deep-rooted commitment to craftsmanship and design. The company has also embraced more sustainable practices, using responsibly sourced wood and eco-friendly production methods.
In recent years, Ercol has reissued many of its classic designs, such as the Originals Collection, ensuring that the timeless pieces that defined mid-century British homes remain available to new generations.
Ercol Today: A Legacy of Design and Quality
Today, Ercol continues to be a leading name in the British furniture industry, with its products sold across the UK and internationally. The brand has maintained its core principles of quality, innovation, and design, making it as relevant today as it was when Lucian Ercolani first set up shop over a century ago.
Whether you’re furnishing a modern loft or a cozy country home, Ercol’s iconic furniture offers a blend of heritage and contemporary style that makes it a perfect choice for any interior.
Conclusion
The legacy of Ercol Furniture is a testament to the enduring appeal of great design and craftsmanship. With over a century of history, Ercol has left an indelible mark on British interiors, combining innovation with tradition to create furniture that transcends trends. From post-war utilitarianism to modern-day sustainability, Ercol’s story is one of continuous evolution and lasting influence. The history of Ercol furniture is an intriguing one.
Whether you’re a collector of vintage pieces or someone looking for timeless, well-crafted furniture, Ercol’s rich history and dedication to quality offer a lasting connection to the heart of British design.
