Mid-century furniture by Heal & Son (England)

The furniture company Heal & Son was founded in 1810 in London by John Harris Heal. The company quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality furniture and innovative designs and became one of the leading furniture manufacturers of the early 19th century in Britain. At that time, Heal & Son specialised in producing furniture that was simple and functional, but also elegant and stylish. They produced a range of furniture, including bookcases, cabinets, chairs, and tables, using traditional woodworking techniques and high-quality materials.

One of the keys to the success of Heal & Son was their willingness to embrace new trends and technologies. In the 1850s, they began to experiment with furniture made from machine-cut components, which allowed them to produce furniture faster and more efficiently. They also began to incorporate new design elements, such as the use of Japanese and Chinese motifs, which were popular in more... the Victorian era.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Heal & Son continued to grow and innovate, expanding their product line and opening new stores throughout London. They also collaborated with some of the leading designers of the time, including E.W. Godwin, who designed furniture for Heal & Son in the Aesthetic style.

Heal & Son's commitment to quality and innovation earned them numerous awards and accolades, including a Gold Medal at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. They also supplied furniture to some of the most prestigious institutions in Britain, including the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Family.

Heal's was run as a family business designing, manufacturing and selling furniture, applied arts, interior decorating and household goods until 1983, when new owners took over and since then has had several changes in ownership. However they are still operating from their Tottenham Road premises where they have been since 1913. less...