Having moved from Italy to England during his childhood, Lucian Ercolani took night classes as a teenager in furniture design and construction. In 1920, Ercolani used his studies and experience at other furniture firms to establish his own business, Furniture Industries. After the Second World War, Ercolani addressed the demand for new furniture at low costs, creating a line of mass-produced pieces under the name Ercol. The range was revolutionary in its manufacturing process and the use of materials previously avoided for furniture production. Popular early pieces from the Ercol brand included the bentwood Windsor chair. In 1956, Ercolani created the 'Loveseat', which was influenced by the traditional Windsor chair design but in a two-seater, settee form. Another remarkable design launched the same year, the 'Studio Couch', which doubled up as a sofa and a single guest bed. Continuing on this wave of innovation, Ercol went on to release the 'Butterfly Chair' and the 'Stacking Chair'. Today, Ercol is celebrated for its sustainable products and manufacturing practices.
Isabella d'Este, the greatest female patron of the Renaissance, commissioned the most valuable maiolica service decorated with elaborate myths. We explore her life and the incredible art she collected.
