To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The London College of Furniture (LCF), a predecessor of The Cass at London Metropolitan University, the university will be holding an exhibition from 28th November to 14th January 2015, with a celebratory symposium on 27th November, to illustrate the richness of the institution and its international status.
Combining over 70 pieces of furniture, machinery, photographs, original archive material, and objects ranging from toys to musical instruments, the exhibition surveys the last 50 years of furniture making, through to today’s contemporary practices, and looks ahead to the future of the sector.
The exhibition comprises of pieces by LCF alumni, students, lecturers, designers and craftspersons who attended the courses from 1964 to 1992, as well as contemporary practitioners who have gone on to lead their field. Illustrious alumni whose work is included in the show include Frederick Parker (founder of the company that later became Parker Knoll), Lucian Ercolani (the founder of Ercol), and, more recently, famous designers such as Terence Woodgate, Michael Marriot and Roberto Feo (El Ultimo Grito).
Alongside the exhibits, the Frederick Parker Collection, which is on long-term loan to The Cass, will also be on display. This collection of over 140 chairs includes some by past and present staff and associates of the Cass, whose work is included in the retrospective exhibition, such as Robin Day, Ernest Race and William Warren.
