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Maple & Co. was a British furniture and upholstery company founded in 1841 by John Maple. The company achieved great success during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, becoming one of the leading makers and suppliers of furniture to aristocracy and royalty both in the United Kingdom and internationally. John Maple was born on February 28, 1815, and opened his first shop on Tottenham Court Road in partnership with James Cook. Known as Cook & Maple, the store offered furniture, fabrics, carpets, and home furnishings. In 1851, the partnership dissolved, and Maple became the sole proprietor of the company.
By the 1860s, the company was expanding rapidly, and in 1870, John Maple’s son, Blundell Maple, became a partner. Thanks to Blundell’s leadership and business acumen, Maple & Co. grew to become the largest furniture brand in the world by the late 19th century. By 1889, the company occupied an entire block bordered by Tottenham Court Road, Euston Road, Gower Street, and Grafton Way.
By the 1880s, Maple & Co. was producing less than 10% of the goods it sold under its own label. The majority of the furniture was sourced from external manufacturers, such as Harris Lebus, a large furniture maker in East London. This approach allowed Maple & Co. to reduce costs and meet the growing demand for furniture.
Maple & Co. established strong ties with the British royal family and international royalty. In 1892, the company was awarded the title of “Upholsterers by special appointment to her majesty Queen Victoria.” This royal connection continued, and in 1910, Maple & Co. was appointed “Upholsterers and Decorators to his majesty King George V.” The company furnished numerous royal palaces and residences, including those of the Russian emperor, the kings of Siam (Thailand), and the Grand Vizier of Persia.
By the 20th century, Maple & Co. maintained its reputation for quality and craftsmanship. In 1933, the company merged with H. H. Martyn, which specialized in interior decorations. In 1980, Maple Holdings was acquired by Waring and Gillow, and in 1997, the business went into receivership, with some of its assets purchased by the Allders retail group. Maple & Co. left a lasting legacy in the history of British furniture and interior design, representing elegance, quality, and prestige.
