Last week I went on a rather lovely day out to Princes Risborough. A 6 a.m start was very much worth it to on a trip to Ercol Headquarters.
The very lovely team invited me along with a few other interior bloggers and members of the press to view their factory and showroom ( check out this lovely ‘ Bosco ‘ bed above ) and see how their furniture is made. it’s an annual Open House that lasts two weeks and is well worth the trip.
Did you know that in 3 years Ercol will have be 100 years old ? They are still family owned having been founded by Lucian Ercolani OBE and now owned by Edward Tadros whom I had the pleasure of having lunch with and Lisa, Ercol’s designer. I’d just like to apologise now to Lisa, Ercol’s designer for the one hundred questions that I asked her over a superb and tasty lunch about her career – although Lisa was more than happy to answer them. It was just too tempting and an opportunity not to miss … and to be fair that’s what I was there for !
As a massive fan of their designs it was a real honour to be included in the day and I couldn’t wait to see how they work through their design and hands on manufacturing process – and it didn’t disappoint.
Luckily for you I forgot to get a photo taken of me in my high vis jacket and goggles on the tour as we made our way around the factory watching as they hand crafted each Ercol piece from raw local wood right up to the finished product.
This smooth pile of table parts were just before they were matched up to ensure the grain and colours are exact. The man who showed us clearly had a strong eye for precision because I couldn’t see any difference but he could see a very slight contrast in the pieces and said they wouldn’t be used together.
My two favourite areas were watching the process of steam bending the wood with precision and then spraying coats of paint on to chairs. The talented craftsmen make it look so effortless – I’m pretty sure it’s just the years of dedication that gives that impression. It felt very serene in the factory even with all the noise of the machines and the levels of concentration for absolute perfection were impressive.
It was also really interesting to see how different stores ask for varying finishes and palettes. Every part of a design process thought through and considered for their customers.
A little wander around Ercol’s showroom was fun. Feeling the textures of their latest fabrics and learning about their upcoming Autumn collections.
With their trademark functional designs – Ercol have produced some beauties this year. Including the ‘ Amelia ‘ sideboard with matching chair and ‘ Teramo ‘ range including this wonderful dressing table.
As ever the classic designs such as stackable stools drew my attention as did the steam bent ‘ Chairmaker’s Chair ‘. Apparently they come in a choice of wood finishes and colours. I really like this blue and the fabric.
All of these collections will be available in Autumn 2017. If you’d like to find out more pop over to www.ercol.com
A really insightful day in Buckinghamshire followed by a very early night !
Are you a fan of Ercol too ? Or is there a particular brand that you gravitate towards when looking for new furniture for your home ?Do leave me a comment – would love as ever, to hear from you.
Lucy x
Oh wow Lucy talk about envious! As you know I am a fello ercol fan ! So lovely to read your post and see behind the scenes !
Thanks Ashley. I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Yes… we have a mutual love of Ercol.. great minds! X
Looks like a great day. I love a good factory visit! x
Looks like a great day out. I’ve been invited previously but never quite made it, so lovely to see here. I’m still kicking myself for selling my Ercol day bed.
Wow. Looks like a great visit! The Amelia sideboard is stunning. Love that asymmetrical door. And I would have loved to have seen you in your hi-viz number. I’m sure you would have styled it out :)
I love behind the scenes stuff! I feel like if the everyday consumer saw more of it, they’d have no trouble understanding the cost of some items. The skill involved is just amazing
Big fan here! I’d love to have attended!! Such a timeless classic brand
Everything looks so beautiful – stunning post Lucy!
I was sad to miss this trip, I was away, would have been lovely to meet you! I love Ercol furniture, such a classic, I love the spindle back chairs and benches. x
I loved watching your instagram stories on this – it was fascinating. I love a good factory tour and watching things being made but Ercol is on another level. Such beautiful, pristine design! xx
It was a great day and lovely to see you there Lucy. x
Sounds like a really brilliant day! And good for you for asking so many questions – got to grab these opportunities when we can! X
What an amazing trip! Great to see where my table was made. I love all your photographs – thanks for sharing. xx
One of the things I love about Ercol is that they’re still relevant today, classic design always will be. However, if anyone wants to help me get rid of my colonial style 1960s Ercol canteen they would be so welcome to. Hate it.