Description
A rare and beautiful vintage mid century sideboard by iconic Scottish furniture maker Beithcraft, one of the finest furniture makers of this period that produced furniture to the highest standard and exceptional quality. The design of this stunning retro sideboard is very heavily influenced by the Danish furniture designers of this period. Two centrally placed opening doors with a pull down leaf to the right revealing copious space with removable shelving. Three drawers to the left hand side with original felt lined cutlery drawer. Attractively finished with solid teak handles to the doors and drawers.
From 1845 until the 1980s, Beith, in Ayrshire, had the honour of being the most important furniture-manufacturing town in Scotland with a reputation for high-quality furniture. The origins of the industry can be traced back to Mathew Dale who started by making hand-built furniture for local people in 1845. A former employee of Dale, Matthew Pollock progressed the manufacturing by introducing machinery in a factory setting 3 miles (5 kilometres) outside of the town at Beith North railway station. After approximately twelve years, Pollock and his brothers sold the factory to Robert Balfour, and moved into the town to expand their business. Balfour suffered the same problems as the Pollock Brothers in being unable to attract employees from the town willing to walk the 3 miles (5 kilometres) to work. In 1872, he built a factory near the Beith Town railway station and persuaded the railway company to build a siding to allow easy transportation of raw materials and finished products.
The industry expanded across the local area making it a centre of excellence in furniture manufacturing, and building its reputation throughout the world. In the late-1920s, transportation switched away from the railway but the industry continued to burgeon with many companies producing high-quality furniture. Balfours, latterly known as Beithcraft, were for a number of years the main manufacturers of mantelpieces in Scotland, some were designed in the elegant style, and required the skill of expert woodcarvers. Matthew Pollock Ltd supplied furniture to both the RMS Queen Mary and the RMS Queen Elizabeth II.
Furniture is no longer produced in Beith due to the closure of the various manufacturing firms. The closures were caused by a multitude of problems such as the economic downturn, and an inability to compete with self-assembly furniture firms and their increase in popularity. The last major furniture manufacturer to close was Beithcraft which finished in 1983 (after a major fire a few years earlier, which destroyed large sections of the plant) with the loss of 420 jobs. With this final closure came the end of Beith’s reputation for being one of the main furniture manufacturers in the country. This history of carpentry is remembered in the nickname of the local football team, Beith Juniors, who are commonly referred to as “The Cabes” (Cabinet Makers).
Structurally sound and in super condition. We’ve had the exterior refinished by a professional furniture restorer. There’s a little split inside the drinks cabinet (see photo) but the split is stable and the hinges remain strong.
L213 x D46 x H75cm
