Glossary
Mid Century Makers
When we use the term 'Mid Century', generally we mean anything produced from the post-war, 1950s period right up to the 1990s. Most of our items date from the 1960s, when teak was the most popular material for furniture, and British designers were heavily influenced by trends coming out of Denmark. Here we introduce some of the Mid Century manufacturers whose work we see most frequently, and whose pieces are often available in our current collection.
G Plan
One of the most well known makers of the period. Based in High Wycombe, England, G Plan was established by Ebenezer Gomme after WWII. It became famous for its modular ranges which could be added to over the years, making items affordable to the average family. Elm and light oak were most commonly used in the 50s / 60s, moving on to teak by the 70s. Iconic designs include the Astro range, including the 'Spider' table shown to the right, and the Fresco range, which continue to look modern and stylish and are built to last. G Plan pieces usually have either a gold stamp if they're early, or an adhesive sticker if later in date.
Jentique
Jentique was another British manufacturer, the name coming from founder Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins ('Jen' blended with 'an)tique', who established the business in Norfolk, England in the 1930s. Early pieces were Art Deco in style and heavily carved, but later pieces from the 50s and 60s are elegant, simple and in the Danish style. Jentique pieces are not always marked but the handle design is quite unique and can help to identify items as Jentique.
Nathan
Also a British manufacturer, Nathan was started by Russian born Barnett Nathan in 1916, in East London. They followed the same trends from the dark wood and brass of the 50s, through the lighter design of the 60s, before creating heavier, more traditional pieces in teak in the 70s. One of the most sought after pieces is the very elegant 'Nathan Circles' sideboard from the 60s; more commonly you will find the later and heavier 'Nathan Squares'. The coffee table pictured to the right is known as the 'Nathan Trinity'; the smaller wooden tables nestling underneath the larger circular glass-topped table were actually stools, although they don't feel very robust or comfortable for this purpose!
Schreiber
Schreiber was established in Britain following founder Chaim Schreiber's arrival during WWII. He focused on efficient manufacturing and was able to reduce costs, and pass these on to customers, servicing the cheaper end of the market. He used curved plywood in his drawers to reduce labour and improve ease of fitting, and finished many items with plasticised teak laminate, which was hardwearing and affordable. By the 1970s, the brand was extremely popular and successful, selling from their own Schreiber Furniture Centres, further decreasing costs whilst increasing control.
McIntosh
McIntosh is our first Scottish manufacturer, and one of the oldest, having been established in the 1860s. By the 1960s, McIntosh, like many other furniture makers, was following the trend set by the Danish designers, choosing simple, clean lines and warm wood tones. This was their heyday, and as tastes changed moving into the 1970s, their style became less popular, but is now once again highly sought after.
Miller Design Associates
Miller Design Associates (MDA) is often, and not surprisingly, confused with Merrow Associates (MA). Both were making similar furniture during the Mid Century period, using chrome, smoked glass, and either teak or rosewood veneers. Their names are also confusing similar, perhaps intentionally, as Howard Miller for MDA apparently took advantage of the desirability of the more expensive Merrow Associates products. Nevertheless, MDA tables and trollies are elegant, timeless and continue to be very popular amongst Mid Century Modern enthusiasts.
Ercol
Ercol is perhaps the most perennially successful of our Mid Century Makers, still using the same designs today as they have for the past 60 years or more. Ercol is a British company, originally based, like G Plan, in High Wycombe, and now in nearby Princes Risborough. The company was started by Italian designer Lucian Ercolani in 1920, and was commissioned to produce 100,000 low cost chairs during WWII by the Board of Trade. Ercol furniture is extremely well made in solid elm, originally sourced in England but now using American elm alongside other solid woods.
