GORDON RUSSELL - Sir 1892 -1980
oil on canvas portrait of Gordon Russell by Carel Weight
Together with Sir Ambrose Heal, Gordon Russell is
certainly one of the fathers of modern British furniture design.
He was an superb draughtsman and also a passionate
designer and craftsman. Exceptionally, he also embraced
modern industrial practices in manufacturing.
His influence was far reaching as founder member of the Council
of Industrial Design in 1944. This organisation later become the
Design Council and laid the foundation for the modern creative
economy. In 1956 Russell opened the internationally renowned
Design Centre.
His legacy of furniture design progresses from the Arts & Crafts
movement to Modernism, always with a sharp attention to detail
and quality of materials. He understood the need for designer to
work closely with maker. "The designer must have a thorough
knowledge of methods of production, whether by hand or machine".
In this aspect he was forward thinking and had moved on from the
anti-modernist stance of the Arts & Crafts pioneers.
the Russell Workshops trademark of the 'circular saw'.
The country house hotel / inn which his father bought in 1904 was
to provide a rich environment for all three of SB Russell's boys.
The restoration of the Lygon Arms in Broadway is testimony to
the Russell family's character and application.
Gordon, Don and Dick Russell
After WWl the family firm became Russell & Sons initially repairing
antique furniture and then soon to employ trained cabinet makers,
advised by Percy Wells, head of cabinet making at LCC Shoreditch
Technical Institute.
The Russell Workshops opened their London showroom in 1929
in London's West End. RD Russell designed and the Russell Workshops
manufactured radio cabinets for Murphy.
In 1936 it is interesting to note that Nikolaus Pevsner became chief
buyer for Gordon Russell Ltd.
In 1943 Gordon Russell was appointed chairman of the Utility Furniture
Design Panel and his affordable and functional designs can still be found
in homes today.
Gordon Russell Ltd. exhibited at the 1946 'Britain Can Make It' exhibition
and expanded into the retail market. In 1947 Russell was awarded a CBE
and after his involvement with the 1951 'Festival of Britain' exhibition, he
was knighted in 1955.
Royal Warrants were granted in both 1939 and 1961.
The company, continually forward looking, moved successfully
into office contract furnishing in the 1970's and continue to win
international design prizes today.
IMPORTANT AND EARLY DESIGN BY GORDON RUSSELL
DESIGN NUMBER 7 dated 1923
'Double Man's Wardrobe in oak with wrought iron fittings'
(archive entry)
This piece of furniture was displayed in the early showroom.
We are delighted to offer this unique historic item for sale.
p.o.a.
hand wrought metalwork hinges and doorplates (and original keys) by Alfred Bucknall
Rennies Seaside Modern
47 The Old High Street
Folkestone
Kent CT20 1RN
t. (01144) 1303 242427