Lucian Ercolani, Windsor chest of drawers in beech for Ercol

Ercol Windsor chest of drawers in beechwood, a signature of British design

This Ercol chest of drawers belongs to the Windsor collection, the program that established the reputation of the factory founded by Lucian Ercolani. Made around 1950 in beechwood, it is distinguished by its meticulous woodwork, a legacy of the High Wycombe workshop. Its three drawers and compact silhouette make it a storage unit that is as functional as it is sculptural.

Lucian Ercolani and the Ercol factory

Born in Italy in 1888 and arriving in London as a child, Lucian Randolph Ercolani founded the factory that would become Ercol in 1920. From 1947 onwards, his Windsor collection established a distinctive visual language: soft lines, visible joinery, and solid wood crafted in the workshop. The Ercol chest of drawers presented here continues this legacy, where the demands of the workshop take precedence over mere decorative effect.

Technical characteristics

The Ercol chest of drawers incorporates the signature features of the Windsor model: exposed dovetail joints at the corners of the top, slightly curved drawer fronts, and oval handles carved directly into the wood. The entire piece is made of beech, a wood the factory frequently used for its structures and curved pieces. It rests on short, turned legs. Measuring 111 cm wide and 72,5 cm high, this Ercol chest of drawers is equally at home in a bedroom or as an accent piece in a living room.

Conservation state

This Ercol chest of drawers has been restored: the wood has been sanded and then revarnished, revealing a uniform light color and the natural beauty of the beech. The structure is sound and the drawers slide smoothly. As is typical for a piece from this period, slight signs of age may remain and contribute to its authenticity. An Ercol chest of drawers in this condition, made of beech and from the Windsor collection, remains a highly desirable opportunity for collectors of antique furniture.

We particularly appreciate this chest of drawers for the honesty of its construction: nothing is hidden, the dovetail joints and the handles carved from solid wood speak volumes about Ercol's craftsmanship. The beechwood, patinated by time, gives it a warm presence that reissues simply can't match. An honest and durable piece, ideal for anyone looking to bring a touch of British design into their everyday home.
The team The Auctionlab