IN1940, the Second World War
prompted a block on imported wood
from Europe and the USA and a
ban on its use in domestic furniture.
However, after the launch of Utility
clothing in 1941 proved a success,
an advisory committee was set up in
1942 ‘to produce specifications for
furniture of good, sound construction
in simple but agreeable designs...
ensuring the maximum economy of
raw materials and labour’. The panel
included Arts and Crafts designer
Gordon Russell, several furniture
manufacturers, a vicar and a
housewife. Designers Edwin Clinch
and Herbert Cutler developed the
first range in a lightning-fast six
weeks. ‘The fastest we’ve ever
worked,’ said Clinch at the time.
The Utility Catalogue of 1943
included 28 designs in wood andveneered hardboard for the kitchen,
living room and bedroom, as well as
armchairs, a bed settee and nursery
furniture. Although the furniture was
for sale, a permit to purchase it was
only given to the recently married or
those whose homes had been bombed.
The simple, functional pieces
received a mixed reception from
manufacturers and the public.
Russell, Clinch and Cutler continued
to work on fostering reform in design.
Russell said that ‘nothing is more
important today than that a common
language of design should grow.’ The
Utility scheme continued until 1952
and is now highly collectable.Q 1941 When Swiss
engineer George de
Mestral saw the burrs
on his coat, he designed
a fastener with hooks
and loops. Two words,
velvet and crochet,
expressed his idea and
gave Velcro its name.
STYLE LANDMARKS FROM THE DECADE
Q 1948 After the war,
CSA, a maker of
aircraft parts, used its
surplus aluminium to
produce the English
Rose – the first fitted
kitchen with curved
drawers and sections
that bolted together.Q 1947 Kenneth Wood
set out to design
kitchen equipment, first
with the A100 Turnover
Toaster. A year later,
his A200 Food Mixer
began a revolution that
led to the launch of his
Kenwood Chef in 1950.Q 1949 The LA house
made by Charles and
Ray Eames using parts
from catalogues – spiral
stairs, sliding doors
and exterior panels- was a breakthrough
in pre-fabricated
house design.
Q 1949 Known as the
master of the chair,
Danish designer
Hans J Wegner’s CH24
Wishbone is considered
his greatest design.
It was inspired by the
wide seat and high back
of Ming dynasty chairs.PHOTOGRAPHS(MAIN PICTURE, ENGLISH ROSE, CHARLES AND RAY EAMES) ALAMY;(WISHBONE CHAIR) CARL HANSEN & SØN1941 1947 1948 1949 19491940–1949
Celia Rufey on the introduction of utility furniture
and how it shaped the way we design today
Design moment