Design spotlight: L. Ercolani
If someone asked you to name a British design brand, we’re pretty sure that Ercol would be near the top of your list.
Famous for their modernist furniture pieces, Ercol are now embarking on a new era of British design. Join us to discover more.
Ercol was established in 1920 by Italian designer Lucian R Ercolani in High Wycombe, the centre of English furniture making. Ercolani was driven by the simple and utilitarian furniture needs of post-war Britain, creating an accessible collection of chairs, tables and couches that combined great design with efficient use of scarce timber. These pieces have since become icons of British design, with the Ercol name sought after by design lovers all around the world.
Following their centenary, Ercol is now embarking on a new era of design, with the British furniture maker launching a sister brand called L.Ercolani. This refined, luxury brand is the new home for classics including the Butterfly chair and Studio couch, joined by a collection of new products from a line-up of British and international designers.
“As we move into our 101st year of business, we are proud to launch a new British brand inspired by my great-grandfather. ‘The Old Man’, as we call him, believed in making furniture that was modern and honest, designed and crafted to be cherished for generations. His iconic pieces from the 1950s inform our DNA, but much like Lucian always looked to the future, we too are looking to create a new collection, combining archival and original designs,” Henry Tadros, Director, L.Ercolani
Inspired by ‘The Old Man’
Lucian R Ercolani founded Ercol with a simple goal – to make furniture that was well-designed and made in a good working environment by craftsmen who took pride in their work. Continuing the founders interest in modern design, L.Ercolani is now creating a new collection of contemporary designs, to become future icons for the brand.
“We are influenced not only by The Old Man’s designs but also by his way of thinking. While Ercolani was driven by the needs of post-war Britain, L.Ercolani is driven by our commitment to craftsmanship, and our desire to bring British design to global audiences. We are privileged to have this opportunity to launch a new brand, whilst maintaining Ercol’s much-loved position amongst the British public.” Henry Tadros, Director, L.Ercolani
Looking to the future
From Norm Architects to Matthew Hilton and Tomoko Azumi – L.Ercolani have partnered with a diverse range of designers to add to their timeless collection. United in their appreciation of materiality, tactility and enduring style, these designers bring a fresh perspective to L.Ercolani whilst retaining the key principles on which the brand is built.
“By partnering with global design talents, we are challenging our perceptions, evolving our collections with fresh eyes and diverse perspectives. United in our belief that the key parameters in quality furniture are form and function, we are creating thoughtful pieces with a distinct yet enduring presence, imparting a sense of home, heritage and belonging. We are committed to continuing my great-grandfather’s legacy and vision, with designs that will remain relevant and treasured for generations to come.” Henry Tadros, Director, L.Ercolani
Made in Britain
Known for their expertise with wood, L.Ercolani expands on Ercol’s traditional use of oak, introducing solid ash and walnut to distinguish and elevate their collection, highlighting the tactile beauty of wooden furniture. As Ercolani once declared, “for beauty, for richness, for warmth – in my mind nothing can compare with solid wood.”
Made by hand at Ercol’s 16,000 sq m factory in the Chiltern Hills, the L.Ercolani collection celebrates British craftsmanship and furniture making tradition. The factory combines state-of-the-art technology with traditional furniture-making techniques such as steam bending and dovetail joints, all undertaken by skilled makers in the Ercol workshop.
Modern tones
Not only adding new designs to the collection, L.Ercolani breathes new life into existing icons with the addition of a new palette of bold, earthy colours. Curated by creative director Christian Møller Andersen (who also happens to be the art-director of Kinfolk magazine), these new tones include Off-White, Ochre, Warm Grey, Golden and Vintage Red – rich colours that carry a sense of the mid-century whilst being firmly rooted in the present, successfully uniting the two arms of the L.Ercolani collection.
We hope you enjoyed this brief look into the evolution of this iconic British brand. What's your favourite L.Ercolani design? Let us know by tagging us on Instagram at @nest_co_uk. Discover the full L.Ercolani collection on our brand page.
