Hedgerley Historical Society
Our first meeting after our summer break will be on the 21st September when Oliver Heal will give an
illustrated talk about the life and work of his grandfather who lived in the parish of Penn for forty years.
Sir Ambrose Heal - between Arts & Crafts and Utility
Sir Ambrose Heal (1872-1959) – furniture designer,
manufacturer, and retailer - was the man who established
the reputation for good design
for which the Heal’s furnishing
business in London is still known.
He was a very significant figure in
design and retail developments in
early 20th century Britain making
distinctive, well-made, furniture
available at reasonable prices to
a broad middle-class public. He was in effect
the link between the unrealised 19th century
ideals of William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement and the basic
Utility furniture introduced by Sir Gordon Russell during World War Two.
During his lifetime his contribution was recognised through the granting
of a knighthood and his appointment as a Royal Designer for Industry.
Although a very demanding employer, and a difficult character who did
not suffer fools gladly, Heal’s became known for advanced employment
policies when many retailers were still living in the Victorian era. In his private life he devoted
himself to collecting information about trade in 18th century London, to travelling extensively
and pursuing a number of affairs outside his marriage.
Oliver Heal
Oliver Heal is a historian and furniture restorer. He has spent many years researching the work
of his grandfather, Sir Ambrose Heal, and this was published as a major reference work in 2014.
He has given many talks on the subject including one at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2015.
He worked at Heal’s for thirteen years and was the last family member to be chairman before
the company was taken over in 1983. Subsequently he worked in the furnishing-fabric trade in
Germany and France before studying for a furniture conservation and restoration degree at High
Wycombe.
The Book: Sir Ambrose Heal and the Heal Cabinet Factory 1897-1939
A few copies of the book will be available on the night at the special price of £50 (normally £58)
which the author will be happy to sign if required.
Monthly Meetings of Hedgerley Historical Society take place at Hedgerley Memorial Hall,
Kiln Lane Hedgerley SL2 3UZ at 8pm and visitors are most welcome.
Further details from John Lovelock 01753 647187 [email protected]
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