LLOYD LOOM FURNITURE BY VINCENT SHEPPARD
Vincent Sheppard have reinstated the tradition of Lloyd Loom furniture, a design classic of the early twentieth century. Lloyd Loom material, an ingenious product invented by American entrepreneur Marshall B. Lloyd, is created by twisting Kraft paper – yes, paper! – around steel wires. 2017 is all about a double birthday for the Belgian furniture brand Vincent Sheppard. Not only will the company itself blow out 25 candles, it also celebrates the birthday of their renowned Lloyd Loom weaving technique, which has been existing for exactly 100 years in 2017.
Paper may appear to be an unlikely material, but, combined with the steel, it is incredibly strong, durable and tactile. Marshall B. Lloyd began his career by producing wicker strollers and prams in 1917. Though popular, these prams were expensive and the wicker would occasionally break down – not exactly comfortable for their precious cargo. One of the signs of a brilliant brand is its ability to transform and adapt and that is certainly something Marshall B. Lloyd had to do. Lloyd began experimenting with the creation of a new type of material – and hence the ‘Lloyd Loom’ was born.
Babies in their prams weren’t the only ones to benefit from this invention. From strollers, the company moved into making furniture. Soon, Lloyd Loom chairs became synonymous with style and elegance, gracing hotels, restaurants and even the Royal Box at Twickenham rugby stadium! Unfortunately an air raid destroyed the London-based factory in 1940, putting an end to large scale factory production. However, in 1992 Vincent Sheppard decided to renew the tradition and began producing furniture in its production plants in Indonesia and Belgium… and hence the Lloyd Loom was reborn!
We’ve got a great selection of Vincent Sheppard Lloyd Loom-inspired chairs at Style Our Home. Whether you are looking for bar or counter stools, dining chairs or something to relax in, we’re bound to have a chair to suit your needs. The Joe Counter Stool is sleek and modern with brushed steel legs and available in a range of colours. Alternatively, if you are looking for something with wooden legs and a higher back rest, the Lily Counter Stool could be just what you are looking for. Again, this stool is available in a variety of colours.
The iconic Lloyd Loom tub chair is the inspiration for the Jack Dining Chair. Timeless and elegant, it is sure to add a touch of colonial elegance to any dining room. Combine it with the Versailles Oval Extension Table or the Albert Dining Table and you will transform your dining room. The versatile Versailles dining table is ideal if you do a lot of entertaining: it can be extended with either one or two leaves, accommodating up to twelve people. The Albert Dining Table’s striking look melds the beauty of oak with the strength of powder-coated steel. For a truly innovative design choose the two-piece top with the undulating ‘live’ edge. With its artisan appearance, it is certain to become a focal point in your home.
Equally dramatic is the Joe Cocoon chair. Just begging to be curled up in, this chair is perfect for day-dreaming or glamour-seeking. To make the chair even more inviting, choose a cushion to complement your colour-scheme and then sit back, let the chair envelop you…and relax.
And if you want to take that relaxation outside – and who doesn’t when summer arrives? – then the simple elegance of Lloyd Loom-inspired designs work equally well outside as well as in. All you need is to surround yourself with lush green ferns and palms, sink down into a Vincent Sheppard Lloyd Loom chair or lounger, and you will be transported you to an exotic world – at least in your day dreams!
Vincent Sheppard Lloyd Loom furniture surprises with its innovation and delights with its simple elegance. Beautifully made, it has a rich history, but it is certainly not stuck in the past.
