The 20^th Century was a time of great change in the world of furniture design. From the iconic designs of Epstein to the more modern designs of David Lindley, this period saw a huge variety of styles and materials used to meet the demands of an ever-changing market.

Lucian Ercolani founded the company that became Ercol in 1920. Specialising in beech wood and elm, a previously underrated natural resource of the forest in High Wycombe. His goal was to produce well-designed furniture, created by highly skilled craftsmen, who took pride in their work. Producing designs so iconic that they are instantly recognisable and continue to produce high quality furniture to this day.

1920’s society was emerging from the darkness of the first World War, and a bright new age of glamour was unfolding. Chrome, glass, and mirrors were the materials of choice, with angular and geometric designs becoming dominant.

Harry and Lou Epstein became popular during this decade, well-known for their conservative Art Deco style in bleached/stained walnut with Japanese lacquered finishes, most of their furniture was custom made or special order. Specialising in geometric designs of burr maple, sycamore, and walnut veneers, with inlaid brass, ivory, and mother-of-pearl. For upholstery, they generally used Oriental silk, snakeskin, pony skin and other animal hides. Epstein furniture isn’t just elegant, it is also of long-lasting quality. The Art Deco period was prominent in the 1930’s buildings as well as their interiors embraced sleek curved lines, stained glass panels and palettes of black, red, and silver. Animal prints were also popular and bakelite came into fashion.

In the 1940’s and 50’s following the end of World War II, the Retro period began. Space saving furniture came into demand, and materials like ply, vinyl and formica were in favour.  It was during this era that Charles and Ray Eames emerged in America, flaunting plastic, ply, and fibreglass furniture, while here in the UK, Robin and Lucienne Day emerged with a similar style. It was in 1945 when Ernest Race Ltd was established. A pioneer in post-war furniture design using new manufacturing processes and crafting iconic designs from recycled materials, he became an industry leader in his field. His BA3 chair was the first design issued by the company and was made of re-cast aluminium from redundant British fighter planes, often utilising parachute silk as upholstery fabric. Notable for his light and curvaceous designs, as well as his innovative use of materials, his works are held in permanent collections at the V&A Museum in London and MOMA, in New York.

Prominent British furniture maker, Archie Shine, emerged in the 1950’s and 60’s. His style was elegant and simple, with a Scandinavian and Danish influence. He hired Robert Heritage, who went on to design the Hamilton sideboard for which he won an award in 1958. Using quality woods like teak, afromosia, and rosewood, Shine became a high-end producer selling through top retailers like Harrods and Heal’s. 

The 1960’s was a period of contrast, whilst it was the age of “Hippies” and “flower power”, it was also the time of the first moon landing. This decade saw an assortment of older Nouveau styles being mixed with vibrant tones of oranges, greens, and purples, with moulded plastic and fibreglass.

Bohemian style peaked in the 1970’s, organic shaped plastics and fibreglass, teak, furs, and skins with tones of turquoise, orange, brown and yellow becoming prominent.

The “young urban professional” otherwise known as the “Yuppie”, was born in the 1980’s. Individual new styles of completely mirrored walls or bare brick walls came to the fold, black and chrome décor with colourful lights and disco balls.

Finally in the 1990’s, people retreated to nature moving towards pine furniture and magnolia.

20th century furniture is stylish, versatile, and timeless, and we can see the influence it has had in current day trends and designs. Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or something more subtle, 20th century design will certainly bring a touch of history into your space. Here at Sheffield Auction Gallery 20^th Century furniture is always in demand whether it be a Nathan or Ercol sideboard, retro lighting or stylish Scandinavian dining furniture, and as always, we are here to assist you with any questions you might have.