Ercol celebrate100th anniversary
Lucian R Ercolani founded ercol in 1920 in the heartland of English furniture making. He was intent on designing and producing beautiful and honest furniture, both design and people were the cornerstones of his company from the very beginning. This remains true of the family owned, private company that continues his beliefs in the 21st Century. I thought it might be nice to reflect on ercol’s history, on what is their 100th anniversary year, by digging into the 1965 catalogue archives too look at branding and product from the mid-century. We take a quick look at the re-released Windsor cabinet, which has been launched to mark the 100th anniversary, and the all new Marlia armchair.
Image credit: New Marlia armchair, from £795, ercol.
“Our designs constantly evolve to reflect how we live today. Along with our talented in-house design team we also have collaborations with external UK and international designers to create unique pieces which are made with integrity and fit for purpose.” - ercol
“We are proud that this year, 2020, is the 100th anniversary of ercol furniture and along with brand stamping our centenary logo on a selection of Originals, starting with the 467 Windsor cabinet” - ercol
Image credit: The 467 Windsor Cabinet, originally launched in 1962, is the first product to be relaunched as part of the 2020 100th year anniversary, ercol.
The 467 Windsor cabinet , pictured above, was originally launched in 1962. I took a dive into ercol’s archive and discovered a catalogue published in 1965. It makes for interesting browsing, particularly seen as each catalogue - you can view a catalogue example per decade here - is so of it’s decade. Many products have been carried through the decades and remain, persistently, popular.
Image credit: archive catalogue image from 1965, ercol.
Image credit: part of the original Windsor range, archive catalogue image from 1965, ercol.
Whilst some key items like the Windsor cabinet are re-released to mark the 100th anniversary, ercol are also launching some entirely new items, the latest of which to be announced is the Marlia armchair. When asked about the Marlia, ercol commented:
“Elegantly designed, this accent chair is a contemporary classic. Crafted from oak, this turned frame cradles the upholstery to achieve a look that, typically of Ercol, exudes simplistic charm.” - ercol
Image credit: New Marlia armchair, from £795, ercol.
The Marlia, which starts from £795, is the latest design to join the ercol lineup. It can be specified in two distinctive finishes, a clear matt lacquer and a rich darker tone. It can be ordered in a range of different fabrics from the Natura collection.
To discover more about the 100th anniversary of this, one of Britain’s strongest homegrown brands, visit ercol.com and seek out your perfect, timeless piece. I’ve commented before that when it comes to ercol, you are investing into furniture which can be passed down through the next generations. Does ercol offer that rare thing then - the perfect interiors piece? Well, it’s certainly a canny buy, as we would say in Scotland.
Feature: Rory Robertson
Image credit: ercol