Lanhydrock and Belton Chairs
Duresta is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its partnership with the National Trust which enables the company to study closely original pieces of furniture found in the charity's collections and produce designs inspired by these for its global customer base. Over the past two decades the licence agreement has seen Duresta produce 15 pieces under the National Trust brand, contributing 'sizeable' revenue to further the charity's conservation work.
Three popular designs are currently on sale in Duresta's Classic range:
The Lanhydrock and Belton chairs are based on pieces of furniture on show to visitors in Lanhydrock House in Bodmin, Cornwall and Belton House in Grantham, Lincolnshire. They were used by ladies for a number of operations, including as nursing chairs, for sewing and as music chairs while their owners played harps.
The Trafalgar Collection
The Trafalgar collection was inspired by the Nelson’s victory at the infamous battle and features the fabric Greensleeves which is based on the beautiful parks and woodlands in the care of the National Trust at Calke Abbey in Ticknall, Derbyshire. In addition, the current Duresta National Trust collection includes The Wessex which reflects a more Edwardian approach to soft and casual comfort. This is available as a grand sofa, a large sofa and a chair.
As part of the partnership, Duresta produced the highly popular Buttermere range which was sold via mail order, and on show at 15 National Trust properties. Duresta also advertises in the National Trust magazine, further cementing the relationship.
Clive Kenyon Brown, Chief Executive of Duresta commented: “The National Trust label has grown in demand over the past 20 years and it is particularly popular with our international customers. This style is universally appreciated for its essentially 'comfortable' character, one where the formal and very grand can sit beautifully alongside the casual, plain and simple. The partnership is a winning one that drives value for both the National Trust and Duresta.”
Phillippa Green, Brand Licensing Manager at the National Trust, said, “The special places and spaces looked after by the National Trust are full of amazing pieces of furniture referencing a wealth of historic periods. By working in partnership with Duresta, we’ve been able to draw on our heritage to create a unique and inspired range of furniture.
“What makes our licensed products different is our commitment to quality, environmental sensitivity and sustainability. In choosing National Trust licensed products, consumers are showing their support for great British crafts and contributing to a wide variety of the Trust’s conservation and restoration projects.”
