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Description: | Although the covering on this chair is not original, the upholstery is, the back stuffing being of kapok in a stitched bag to make sure it does not move about. The seat cushion has a sprung interior with cotton wadding. The visible wood has been stained to a brown oak colour. On the inside of one of the side seat rails is printed "PARKER KNOLL UTILITY CHAIR" together with the Utility symbol. The Parker Knoll springing system is used, a woven cotton cover over each tension spring, supported on strong, woven flexible tape. The back springing is graduated in size and tension as required, using uncovered springs located on staples. The Utility scheme was set up to control the supply, price and quality of clothing and household goods in the face of Wartime and post-War shortages. The CC41 symbol became a guarantee of fine workmanship, enduring materials, good design and a moderate price. In November 1941 the Board of Trade took over control of the furniture industry by requiring companies to have licences in order to manufacture. It was controlled more tightly than any other field. January 1943 saw the publication of the first Utility catalogue featuring twenty types of furniture, for the exclusive use of those made homeless due to the bombing, and of newly weds. After the War the range was expanded and in late 1946 the Cotswold' fireside chair, number 1450, was introduced, with a tightly upholstered seat over coiled springs and bent arms: a product generally similar in style to pre-War Parker Knoll models. In 1947 manufacturers were invited to suggest designs for approval by their assessors. This was the opportunity to amend the 1450 to the 1450PK with a loose seat cushion and the unique patented Parker Knoll tension suspension system. They got approval and marketed a superior chair on the same terms, to retail at £7.4s.3d and six coupon units. The chair was very successful and of course Parkers had a head start on the rest of the industry with the supply of tension springs. Eventually the Board of Trade considered legal action against the company for breaking the rules but backed down in the end. Although certain aspects were relaxed, the Utility scheme did not finally come to an end until January 1953. Additions And Alterations: Covering replaced | Source: | Vads | Identifier: | http://www.vads.ac.uk/large.php?uid=9131... | Go to resource |
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