Maple & Co.

William and Mary walnut drop-front secretary with single hood top by Maple, around 1910

Maple & Co. was a British furniture maker on Tottenham Court Road in London, which was especially successful during the Victorian and Edwardian era.

History

It was founded by John Maple in the early 19th century. It was later run by John Blundell Maple, 1st Baronet. Maple became one of the prime makers and suppliers of furniture to the aristocracy and royalty in the United Kingdom. One of the houses that was furnished with Maple is York Cottage.

One of the suppliers that produced bedroom and dining cabinets for Maple was Harris Lebus.

After the end of World War II and the change in tastes and the cost manufacturing factors, the decline started. In 1980 the furniture maker Waring & Gillow joined with Maple & Co., to become Maple, Waring & Gillow. It subsequently became part of Allied Maples Group Ltd, which included Allied Carpets when it was acquired by supermarket chain Asda in 1988 . In 1997 it went into administration, and was taken over by the retailer Allders.

Further reading

• Hugh Barty-King: Maples Fine Furnishers - A Household Word for 150 Years. Quiller Press, 1992