Thursday 24 May 12

Brand watch: Ercol

• Tweet this

Since 1920, Ercol has been one of Britain’s most influential and recognisable brands and thanks to the recent popularity of mid-century styling, it is back in vogue.

Ercol kindly invited the Lovehome team to their Buckinghamshire factory to see how the furniture is made and find out more about the brand’s interesting history. In 1920 Lucian Ercolani set up shop in High Wycombe, the chair making capital of England and soon perfected the technique of steam-bending wood in large quantities.

The company is still owned and run by the Ercoloni family (the current chairman being Lucien’s grandson), and the family atmosphere is reflected in the positive attitude and loyalty of the brand's employees.

               

In fact, many members of the current staff at the factory have been working for the brand for over 20 years and demonstrate such pride in Ercol and the furniture they produce.

We watched one of the brand’s famous Windsor chairs go through the production process, all the way from the natural, green wood to assembly. It was truly impresssive to see the amount of work and care that goes into each piece.

               

Once customers have chosen their furniture, they can then choose from a variety of different finishes - from a clear gloss to an almost black varnish, depending on the look that is desired. It’s not quite bespoke but it is as close as you can get.

And Ercol continue to go from strength to strength, having just launched several new collections that have been created with the brand’s ethos of great design combined with functionality, in mind.

               

The new Riva Upholstery Range (above) is stylish and supportive, the ultimate combination and a favourite amongst those of us on the showroom tour. The archetypal ercol feature of integral wooden legs adds a distinctive touch, with attractive oak timber in a clear matt finish.

              

One of our personal favourites on the day was the new Pinto Bedroom Collection. It combines attractive matt lacquered oak tops with soft toned, painted elm that creates a classic, clean-lined and versatile look. Perfect for those wanting to create a contemporary bedroom scheme. The range includes a double and king size bed featuring a curved spindle head frame that makes a true design statement. It's on our wish list!

Each of the new ranges are cleverly designed and functional, making every piece and investment for the future.

If you're interested in finding out more about Ercol and want to check out their new collctions, visit the Ercol website.