Local design classic for sale in our Decades of Design Auction

PEL (Practical Equipment Limited) was a leading modernist British furniture manufacturer, based in Oldbury near Birmingham.  Their inventive and ground-breaking designs of the 1930s and onwards, were designed to renovate the manufacturer of furniture in the mid 20^th Century and rival French counterparts Thonet. PEL furniture were instantly recognisable for their innovative use of tubular steel frames, and produced a wide range of armchairs, sideboards, bed frames, side tables, but most notable was the stacking chair, which went on the sell in their millions and the design still widely used and recognisable today.

Fielding are delighted to consign three items of furniture with a wonderful local history.  Lot 834, 835 and 836 were formerly the property of William Harvey Reynolds who worked as works manager for PEL from 1932 to 1960.

During his time at PEL Mr. Reynolds was instrumental in the development of steel tube furniture and there are numerous patents registered in his name relating to the design of steel tube chairs.  During this period, the family recall that he would often bring prototypes of items of furniture back to the family home.

 The vendor has fond memories of the sideboard growing up –

 ‘we used to slide up and down the rails underneath it as small children and a special treat was to reorganise Nan and Grandad's drawers (as there were frequently sweets hidden in the jumble).  My Nan used to store her 'medicinal' stout in the cupboard.’

All items are for Sale on Friday 19th March

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Posted on 17 March 2021 in: Auction life