Exploring Buckinghamshire’s Local Treasure: High Wycombe
High Wycombe is located within the picturesque Chiltern Hills of Buckinghamshire and merely 25 minutes from Central London. It stands as a testament to the rich heritage of British furniture design and manufacture and is particularly renowned for its significant contribution to the industry in the 19th century. This town’s story is linked with the evolution of furniture making in England, marked by the ingenuity of its craftsmen, the abundance of natural resources, and the advantages conferred by the industrial boom following the arrival of the railways in 1854.
The Historical Backdrop
The 19th century saw High Wycombe emerge as a pivotal centre for the furniture industry, propelled by the “Chiltern chair bodgers“. These were skilled craftsmen who turned chair legs within the leafy confines of the local beech forests, a material readily available due to the town’s geographical setting. This tradition of crafting was not just a matter of producing furniture; it was an emblem of the town’s identity and a legacy of craftsmanship handed down through generations.
High Wycombe’s strategic position in the Chiltern Hills and its surrounding beech forests provided an almost inexhaustible supply of raw materials necessary for furniture making. Beech wood, known for its durability and workability, became the cornerstone of High Wycombe’s furniture production, allowing for the crafting of pieces that combined beauty with functionality.
The British Railway Revolution
The arrival of the railway in 1854 marked a new chapter in High Wycombe’s furniture industry. The new High Wycombe railway, which linked the town to Brunel’s Great Western Railway, opened up new markets for its furniture production. This connectivity did not just speed up the transportation of raw materials and finished goods; it also brought about an industrial boom that transformed the local economy.
The impact of the railway’s arrival cannot be overstated. It catalysed a period of intensive growth and innovation within the furniture sector, enabling High Wycombe to cater to the flourishing demand from Britain’s rapidly expanding middle classes. The Victorian era witnessed a proliferation of furniture makers in High Wycombe, with the town gaining fame for its production of the Windsor Chair, a design that would become emblematic of British craftsmanship.
The Famous Windsor Chair and Other Productions
The Windsor Chair, characterised by its solid wooden seat into which the chair-back and legs are round-tenoned, or dovetailed, became a symbol of the town’s productive output and a favourite among the British public. This chair’s design, which balanced elegance with robustness, captured the essence of British furniture making during this era.
The thriving factories of High Wycombe were not merely manufacturing units; they were centres of innovation that kept pace with changing tastes and needs of the time. Their ability to meet the demand of Britain’s rapidly expanding middle classes underscored the industry’s vitality during this period.
Post-World War 2 Era and Beyond
The end of World War 2 ushered in a new era for furniture production in High Wycombe. As the country sought to rebuild itself, the demand for furniture surged after responding to the needs of new homes being constructed across the nation. High Wycombe’s furniture industry adapted to these changing needs, showcasing the resilience and versatility of its craftsmen and manufacturing capabilities.
In the heart of High Wycombe, traditional furniture makers such as William Hands have epitomised the enduring legacy of the town’s craftsmanship, having been in operation for over 100 years. It is noteworthy that chairs made by William Hands were selected for King Charles’s recent coronation in Westminster Abbey, a testament to the unparalleled quality and historical significance of High Wycombe’s furniture making tradition.
The Present and Future of High Wycombe’s Furniture Design
Today, Buckinghamshire, with High Wycombe at its forefront, continues to attract modern furniture makers who draw upon the town’s rich heritage, accessible location and the abundance of resources at their disposal.
At DAY & KNIGHT, we out grew our previous workshop in Windsor (near Ascot), therefore High Wycombe became an obvious choice for our new high-tech factory and showroom. Companies like ours represent the modern embodiment of High Wycombe’s longstanding tradition in furniture design, blending traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art manufacturing and contemporary styles.
This fusion of the old and the new ensures that the legacy of High Wycombe’s furniture making continues to thrive. The town’s narrative is not just about its past; it is a continuing story of innovation, adaptability, and excellence in the face of evolving tastes and technological advancements.
The British Furniture Story Continues
High Wycombe’s contribution to the story of British furniture design is both profound and enduring. From the 19th century’s industrious “Chiltern Chair Bodgers” to the present-day artisans and manufacturers, the town has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of British furniture making. Its story reflects a blend of tradition, innovation, and resilience; a heritage that continues to influence and inspire the future of furniture design, not just in Buckinghamshire or Britain, but across the world.