A British Design Icon
For those in the know within the UK, the term ‘G Plan’ conjures images of quintessential Midcentury design. G Plan furniture, a staple of British homes since 1953, was a creation of E. Gomme, a High Wycombe-based furniture manufacturer with roots stretching back to the late 1800s. The brand’s enduring appeal lies in its Modernist designs, which continue to captivate enthusiasts of vintage furniture.
Accessible Midcentury Modern Elegance
G Plan’s prolific output means that today, collectors can often find these pieces at a steal. Crafted primarily from teak, G Plan furniture is celebrated for its blend of practicality, affordability, and timeless aesthetics. The brand’s success surged with the Utility Furniture Scheme, a post-war government initiative aimed at producing well-designed, affordable furniture. This period marked E. Gomme’s rise to prominence in British design circles.
Revolutionizing Furniture Shopping
The end of the Utility Scheme coincided with the rise of Modernism, and G Plan was at the forefront. Under Donald Gomme, the company introduced innovative practices, such as selling furniture in sets with the option to buy individual pieces over time. G Plan also opened showrooms, a radical departure from the era’s catalog-based shopping, making contemporary styles accessible to a broader audience.
Scandinavian Influence and Iconic Ranges
Embracing the Scandinavian design ethos, G Plan hired Danish designer Ib Kofod-Larsen, resulting in the legendary Danish range launched in 1962. This range, particularly the sideboards, is highly sought after for its sharp, yet fluid design. Other notable collections include the light oak furniture by VB Wilkins and the Tola and Black range, which reflected the glamor of the late ’50s.
Cult Classics and Collector’s Favorites
From the Danish range to the Fresco dining set, G Plan offered a variety of iconic designs. The winged-back swivel armchair, featured in James Bond and Beatles films, became a British cult classic. Collectors also prize the bent wood chairs by K M Wilkins and the ubiquitous Midcentury sideboards that define G Plan’s legacy.
Identifying Authentic G Plan Pieces
Authentic G Plan furniture can be recognized by the gold stamped markers, including E. Gomme, EG, or G-Plan labels. For enthusiasts eager to trace the origins of their G Plan items, Buckinghamshire New University offers digitized catalogs from E. Gomme and G Plan’s extensive furniture archive.
Curating Your Midcentury Modern Collection
Whether you’re assembling a Danish Design set or simply seeking to infuse your home with classic Midcentury Modern flair, G Plan offers a treasure trove of pieces that promise to elevate any interior. Keep an eye out for these timeless designs, and you might just find a piece of British design history to call your own.
