In that space of time, the company has also endured a series of global crisis. Like each of the other adverse situations it faced, the family owned business has continued to prevail with enduring design and attention to quality craftsmanship.
To mark its centenary, Ercol has revealed its own significant evolution with a series of high profile design collaborations. A renewed fascination with Ercol’s mid-century heritage and designs from this period has also shown the timeless nature of the company's products. The finished result is a coherent and polished, contemporary expression of timeless luxury with a sustainable focus.
Established in 1920 by 32-year-old trained furniture maker Lucian Ercolani, Ercol was influenced by local artistry and classic British design traditions. The company was awarded a Board of Trade Utility Furniture contract in 1944 for 100,000 Windsor Chairs, giving Ercolani his first opportunity to mass-produce his humble and timeless designs.
Inspired by the extensive history of designs from Ercolani's ouevre, the latest collaborators have paid respect to the founding design direction.
The Ercol range is available in New Zealand, exclusively from Good Form. Directors Dan and Emma Eagle have a long association with the brand, having collected vintage examples for ten years and expanded the interest in the Ercol range. In 2017 Good Form also added new production pieces to the store's offering.
Danish architecture firm Norm Architects, which has previously worked with Ercol on last year's Pennon Table, adds to this body of work with the 'Canvas' and 'Reprise' Collections. Linear, refined storage and lounge furniture pieces pay attention to detail with textural elements which offer depth to a contemporary space.
Accomplished Swedish designer and architect Jonas Wagell's 'Grade Collection' adds a soft furnishing element to this year's offering from Ercol. Simplified and soft, upholstered organic shapes are elevated by solid timber bases.
Norwegian Designer Lars B. Fjetland's 'IO Collection' adds a moment of strength and solid foundation to the contemporary Ercol ranges. A selection of circular tables with a weighty, serene presence speak to a deliberate, considered lifestyle.