Restall Brown & Clennell : Lewes
Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) began trading in June 1905 from a factory in Bethnal Green, in London’s East End. It was founded by William Restall (Factory), Frederick Brown (Office and Sales) and John Clennell (Design).
William Restall looked after the factory and ensured the smooth running and the high quality of all of their products, Frederick Brown was in charge of the sales and its customer service and John Clennell was head of the design.
The company was founded with the aim of designing, making and selling top quality English traditional style furniture and was backed by antique dealers Greenwoods of York.
By 1936 Frederick Brown had taken over full management control and Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) had by now been a Brown family concern for four generations.
Frederick Brown headed up the company from 1905-1945, he was joined by Lionel Brown 1929-1970, followed by Simon Brown in 1960 and later by Philip Brown.
During that period Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) was driving forward with innovative bespoke designs and special commissions.
The company created a niche in the market through producing the highest quality furniture with a finish that was mellow and rich – totally compatible with any antiques it might be placed alongside it.
Simon Brown continued to move Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) forward; he employed only the best craftsman to work in the factory at Lewes creating original pieces mainly in mahogany, satinwood, walnut and yew inspired by the furniture of the period from around 1700 to 1850.
Their Art Deco collection was introduced in 1996 and this range added a new dimension to Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) which offered a lighter, more modern feel to complement their existing traditional and classically inspired furniture ranges.
An enviable stock of over 60 types of top quality veneers was also built including: mahogany, satinwood, yew burr and walnut.
In its later years, Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) operated from its 40,000 sq ft factory in Lewes, East Sussex and a London showroom at The Old Imperial Laundry, Battersea.
The company employed only the most experienced craftsmen and polishers to create exquisite handmade traditional English furniture of the highest quality.
Three main furniture collections was offered including Traditional, Classically Inspired and Art Deco alongside their comprehensive bespoke design service.
In 2009 Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) developed several new product lines with a selection of top designers including John Stefanidis and Wales & Wales. Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) furniture can be found in the very top retail establishments and luxury hotels.
Sadly Restall Brown & Clennell (RBC) ended up in Liquidation on 23rd October 2015.
Scene, Scenes, Image, Images, Photograph, Photographs, Photography Lewes Based Photographer In Sussex South Downs National Park Photography by Nikon Camera.
