The Next Generation: Barker and Stonehouse x ercol
Words by
Michaela Quinn
March 09, 2026
|
5m
Few design partnerships stand the test of time, but the relationship between Barker and Stonehouse and ercol has endured for more than 80 years. Built on shared values of craftsmanship, quality and thoughtful design, it is a collaboration that has shaped British interiors for generations.
In fact, ercol’s iconic Windsor Chair was among the very first pieces selected by Barker and Stonehouse founder Charles Barker to sell in store. Eight decades later it remains a cornerstone of the brand’s collection, a testament to the power of timeless design.
As Barker and Stonehouse celebrates its 80th anniversary, the two brands have come together once again to reimagine this classic piece for the modern home. With the fourth generation now stepping forward in both family businesses, George Barker and Henry Tadros reflect on heritage, craftsmanship and what the future holds.
In fact, ercol’s iconic Windsor Chair was among the very first pieces selected by Barker and Stonehouse founder Charles Barker to sell in store. Eight decades later it remains a cornerstone of the brand’s collection, a testament to the power of timeless design.
As Barker and Stonehouse celebrates its 80th anniversary, the two brands have come together once again to reimagine this classic piece for the modern home. With the fourth generation now stepping forward in both family businesses, George Barker and Henry Tadros reflect on heritage, craftsmanship and what the future holds.
Built on shared values
For both companies, longevity comes from a careful balance of tradition and innovation.
“Our relationship is built on shared family values, thoughtful manufacturing and a commitment to sustainability,” they explain. “We also embrace a modern retail mindset, combining the ease of browsing from home with the importance of physical stores, where customers can experience the quality, comfort and craftsmanship of each piece.”
This balance of heritage and modern retail helps both brands continue to evolve while staying true to their origins.
“Our relationship is built on shared family values, thoughtful manufacturing and a commitment to sustainability,” they explain. “We also embrace a modern retail mindset, combining the ease of browsing from home with the importance of physical stores, where customers can experience the quality, comfort and craftsmanship of each piece.”
This balance of heritage and modern retail helps both brands continue to evolve while staying true to their origins.
The principles behind timeless design
At ercol, the approach to lasting design has remained remarkably consistent.
Henry Tadros explains that the company’s philosophy dates back to the 1950s, when the focus was on creating furniture that was honest, purposeful and simple.
“There’s definitely an ingredient list,” he says. “We focused on creating fit for purpose furniture by not adding too much and keeping designs clean and simple.”
Solid wood, traditional craftsmanship and time honoured techniques continue to define ercol today. While colours and finishes change with trends, the core principles of simplicity, integrity and usefulness remain unchanged.
For Barker and Stonehouse, a similar philosophy applies. “Our 80 year heritage has been built on trust, authenticity and aspirational style,” says George Barker. “When someone says, ‘This feels like a Barker and Stonehouse home,’ it is incredibly flattering. It shows the strength of that identity.”
Reimagining the Windsor Chair
The Windsor Chair has been part of the Barker and Stonehouse story since the very beginning.“It is one of the first products ever sold in our stores and would have been chosen by my great grandfather,” George explains. “Its timeless silhouette works beautifully in modern homes, which makes it a natural piece to collaborate on.”
For the anniversary collection, the design has been refreshed with new stains and finishes launching this autumn. The result blends heritage design with a contemporary feel. Spending time inside the ercol factory helped shape the project.
“Being there gave me a real understanding of the materials and seasonal colour trends,” George says. “It helped create a collection that feels both current and enduring.”
Evolving an icon
Updating a design classic requires careful consideration.
Historically, Windsor chairs were often ornate. In the mid twentieth century ercol refined the design, removing decoration and introducing cleaner lines and balanced proportions.
“Today we continue that evolution,” Henry says. “Updated finishes and options such as upholstered seats bring greater comfort and versatility while still respecting the original form.”
“Today we continue that evolution,” Henry says. “Updated finishes and options such as upholstered seats bring greater comfort and versatility while still respecting the original form.”
Carrying forward a design philosophy
Henry’s great grandfather believed strongly in modesty and honesty in design, values that continue to guide the company today.
Using materials responsibly, refining forms to be efficient and elegant, and sourcing timber more thoughtfully are all central to ercol’s modern approach. The company is also working to use more timber grown in Britain.
Using materials responsibly, refining forms to be efficient and elegant, and sourcing timber more thoughtfully are all central to ercol’s modern approach. The company is also working to use more timber grown in Britain.
Learning the business from the ground up
As fourth generation members of their respective family businesses, both George and Henry believe in understanding every part of the company. Henry spent a year working on the factory floor making his great grandfather’s designs by hand.“That experience was invaluable,” he says. “It gave me a real understanding of how design and manufacturing work together.” Today he still spends much of his time in the factory, working closely with the craftspeople who bring ercol’s designs to life.
George is on a similar journey at Barker and Stonehouse. “I did not want to assume I understood the business just because I grew up around it,” he says. “I have been working across departments to understand the people, the processes and what really drives our success.” That perspective, he says, helps him see where he can add the most value in the future. “It is about not taking anything for granted and never resting on our laurels.””
Why craftmanship still matters
In a world of mass production, both brands believe craftsmanship remains essential.
At ercol, modern machinery supports rather than replaces skilled artisans.
“We have developed machinery that enhances what we do,” Henry explains. “But it works in harmony with craftspeople who specialise in specific techniques.”
This combination of technology and traditional skills helps ensure high quality while maintaining efficiency and value for customers. Barker and Stonehouse shares that commitment to craftsmanship across its partnerships. “We have always championed traditional craftspeople and their furniture,” George says. “You will always find fine examples of this in our stores.”
While the company works with makers around the world, the philosophy remains the same. “No matter where they are based, the companies we partner with share our values around quality, beauty and the principles of excellent furniture design.”
This combination of technology and traditional skills helps ensure high quality while maintaining efficiency and value for customers. Barker and Stonehouse shares that commitment to craftsmanship across its partnerships. “We have always championed traditional craftspeople and their furniture,” George says. “You will always find fine examples of this in our stores.”
While the company works with makers around the world, the philosophy remains the same. “No matter where they are based, the companies we partner with share our values around quality, beauty and the principles of excellent furniture design.”
Looking ahead
Eighty years after the Windsor Chair first appeared in Barker and Stonehouse stores, the partnership between the two brands continues to evolve.
With the next generation now shaping the future, the collaboration remains rooted in the same foundations that started it all: family values, thoughtful design and a belief that great furniture should stand the test of time.
With the next generation now shaping the future, the collaboration remains rooted in the same foundations that started it all: family values, thoughtful design and a belief that great furniture should stand the test of time.