Mid Century Style in Scotland
Mid century design has made a huge comeback in recent years, thanks to shows like Mad Men, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and movies set during the mid century era. The clean lines, the bright colors, and the fun designs are so different to anything else out there.
I think part of the reason I fell in love with mid century is seeing how well it fits in with our 1970s era flat. But also, I love the simple, but unique designs and the durability of the furniture I’m finding. I’ve always been a sucker for simple and clean Scandinavian style, but mid century adds that extra bit of history.
Surprisingly, mid century furniture is extremely popular here in Scotland still. Pieces are bought and sold so quickly that it’s difficult to keep up. Stores like West Elm are supplying the mid century style, right off the shelves, but I wanted something original, something unique, and more importantly, something that will last. As I’ve slowly been adding to our collection, I’m amazed by how durable these pieces are and how beautifully timeless.
Some of the most beautiful pieces of mid century furniture I’ve found have been by Scottish designers. Neil Morris, inspired by the pieces he saw in America, returned to Glasgow and designed some durable and modern pieces that collectors still fight over. His family company was started in 1884 and when he took over in 1938, he brought a vibrance to furniture creation using laminate woods to create award winning pieces. In fact, his firm was commissioned by Her Majesty to create a bedroom set for Clarence House, and then later on, furniture for the QE2.
A Morris dressing table
In 1959 in Scotland, Neil Morris of Morris Furniture saw little in competition from his Glasgwegian counterparts, and as the world delved into mid century furniture, he did too, creating some beautifully eye-catching pieces. A recent author writes, “…Meanwhile, design-related developments, particularly in Glasgow, continued apace. A review of the Scottish Furniture Exhibition, in which Morris participated, was published in the Cabinetmaker on 17April 1959, and informed readers that the six-day show had brought in an estimated 24,000 visitors, proving that ‘there is no doubt that gradually Scottish taste is becoming more contemporary’. The following year the journal reported that ‘Glasgow has been chosen by the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in the UK for its Dutch Week, when every aspect of Dutch life and produce will be displayed in the city’.” (Source) As furniture makers in Glasgow because more inventive in their designs, the world caught on, and suddenly, mid century Scottish furniture was being sold worldwide.
“Morris of Glasgow”
McIntosh of Kircaldy, which was started in 1821, has some absolutely drool worthy mid century pieces. In 1962, 50% off their products were mid century designs, but by 1970 they were creating nearly completely mid century furniture. Frequently, they created small batches of articles of furniture which then sold for 10% more than their counterparts, now selling for 50-60% more than similar products of the same era. Supply and demand, people. :) Outside of Scotland, but still in the UK, companies like G Plan, Guy Rodgers, and Meredew created pieces that go for hundreds of pounds in online markets and shops.
A McIntosh of Kirkaldy sideboard for sale in Glasgow.
Which, brings us to modern day Scotland. While the Danes have the corner market on sleek designs, for a brief moment, Scottish furniture was a household name around the world and as a result, beautiful pieces are still out there, just waiting to be found. And I’m over here, trying to discover some amazing deals on mid century Scottish furniture for our little Scottish home.
Coming soon… Where we’ve found our furniture and some of the best mid century shops here in Scotland.