In 1869 a young, enthusiastic newly trained furniture maker Frederick Parker, started his own chair making business. The company, Frederick Parker and Sons Ltd, was registered in 1901 and produced only the finest upholstered furniture for the Victorian gentry. The company swiftly became highly successful, as a result of its exceptional craftsmanship, and an enviable reputation for excellence.

It was this reputation, steadily built over time, which secured them appointments to furnish a number of the worlds greatest ocean liners, including the Aquitania. It was work such as this that moved fellow furniture maker and former designer at Parkers, Lucian Ercolani to call it the “Jewellery of Furniture”, recognising the attention to detail and painstaking craftsmanship in every piece.

The Parkers had always welcomed change, progress and innovation, so it was inevitable that when Willi Knoll from Stuttgart, Germany, put forward an idea to revolutionise domestic upholstery, Frederick Parker and Sons would see the design as one of great potential. Knoll’s unique modern patent was a tension and suspension spring made of coiled steel wire, which provided a high degree of comfort through a simple elegant design. An agreement was made, and the company Parker Knoll was founded.

Our Success

The company invested in continued magazine and newspaper advertising of the brand name from 1931 onwards, and this, combined with exhibitions and press editorials had an amazing effect on both the public and trade alike. Parker Knoll created the first nationally advertised branded furniture. Mention the word ‘recliner’ and people instinctively think of Parker Knoll. A mixture of easy chair, footstool and chaise longue, the Parker Knoll recliner swiftly became the best selling chair for many years.

The Future

Many of the company’s top selling models were designed in the 30’s and are still extremely popular today. Parker Knoll continually introduces new designs and ideas to suit the requirements of todays lifestyles and meet the ever-changing demands of the modern day customer. Our newest innovation, SecureLift offers exceptional safety and of course maintains the legendary quality our customers have come to expect. Whether it is our updated and sumptuous fabric range, market leading designs, UK based production sites or just the creation of simply beautiful furniture, you know you can rely on Parker Knoll.

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