Austinsuite Furniture
Austinsuite, a name steeped in history, emerged from the vibrant streets of London in the early 20th century. Founded by the enterprising Austin brothers, this furniture company carved a niche for itself, specialising in exquisite bedroom suites. Their craftsmanship blended tradition with practicality, capturing the essence of an era when homes were evolving, and bedrooms became more than just places to sleep. Crafting elegant bedroom suites that resonated with the changing lifestyles of Londoners. With the post-war years came new challenges, but Austinsuite adapted, becoming one of Britain’s largest furniture manufacturers. Their mid-market bedroom suites, featuring spacious wardrobes, dressing tables, and bed-ends, graced countless homes across the country.
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Austinsuite: From Tradition to Modernity
Austinsuite’s roots trace back to the early 20th century, shaped by the vision and tenacity of its founder, Frank Austin. The story begins with a Jewish immigrant named Ornstein, who arrived in London from Austria in 1898. Ornstein initially worked for other furniture firms, but destiny had grander plans. His son, Frank Austin, along with three brothers and a brother-in-law, embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in 1928. Their small business, nestled off Shoreditch High Street, gradually blossomed into a substantial 35,000-square-foot factory in Leyton by 1936.
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Bedroom Suites: Austinsuite’s Forte During the 1930s, bedroom suites were in high demand. With London’s suburbs expanding, families now had multiple bedrooms, necessitating elegant and functional furniture. Austinsuite seized this opportunity, specializing in crafting mid-market bedroom suites. Their offerings typically included a large lady’s wardrobe, a smaller gentleman’s wardrobe, a dressing table, and bed-ends. These traditional designs catered to the evolving lifestyles of Londoners, who sought comfort and style within their homes.
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Challenges and Evolution: The Second World War brought challenges, but Austinsuite adapted. They contributed to the war effort by repairing aircraft. In 1948, despite utility furniture controls and strict rationing, Austinsuite became a public company, positioning itself for the post-war era. By the mid-1950s, they operated from a sprawling 6-acre site with 400,000 square feet of factory space, making them one of Britain’s largest furniture manufacturers. Lebus remained the industry giant, but Austinsuite held its ground alongside E Gomme (known for G Plan).
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The Shift to Contemporary Design: In the 1960s, Austinsuite underwent a remarkable transformation. Accomplished designers like Frank Guille joined their ranks, propelling the company from tradition to modernity. They expanded beyond bedroom furniture, adding dining sets to their repertoire. Fitted wardrobes became a game-changer, reflecting the changing needs of homeowners. Clive Latimer, another notable designer, contributed to Austinsuite’s success during this period.
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Legacy and Influence: While Austinsuite eventually ceased operations, their legacy endures. Their mid-century designs remain sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. From the traditional suites of the 1930s to the contemporary innovations of the 1960s, Austinsuite left an indelible mark on British furniture history.