How to collect: Vintage Ercol

The Period: 1950s, 60s & 70s The Source: The Ercol factory in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire The Appeal: Handcrafted furniture in beech, elm and ash Vintage Ercol looks as good today as it did in 1946 when the company launched its iconic

Windsor collection. Founder Lucian R Ercolani designed the range of chairs, tables and storage that included the round Coffee/ Supper Table, the All Purpose (Tray) Table, and the Trolley Bookcase. His inspiration was the traditional Windsor chair and his reinterpretation chimed with the fashion for simple Scandi-style furniture. Important signature pieces were created in the 1950s – the Nest of Three Tables or

‘pebble’ tables, the Plank Table, the Loveseat, the Butterfly Chair, Stacking Chair and the Studio

Couch. At auction, vintage Ercol is excellent value and costs anything from £150 to £500 per lot – buy from interiors sales and more specialist 20th-century art and design sales. Expect to pay more at a shop or fair, especially if furniture is restored. Many of Ercol’s designs have been produced continuously since their launch, but for truly vintage pieces look for a small square blue

label (used 1954-1976) on the underside of the furniture, which contains a date stamp. If it has dropped off, check for a mellow patina plus a little wear.