Clipper Trading Talks

British Campaign Furniture

“To unite elegance and utility, and blend the useful with the agreeable, has ever been considered a difficult, but an honorable task.” – A. Hepplewhite & Co. (The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer’s Guide, 1787)

Here at Clipper we offer authentic British campaign furniture to our clientele. The fascinating history of campaign or “knock-down” furniture is not widely known, and certainly deserves a closer look.

British campaign furniture was used for voyages, traveling, and camping trips throughout the British Empire in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The pieces had to be durable and practical, but still had to reflect the fashionable tastes of the time. Master craftsmen were used to make these pieces, which was no easy endeavor. Elite British military officers wanted to enjoy the same comforts of home, yet needed pieces of furniture that could easy be disassembled and folded up for transport without having to use nails, tacks, or tools. The British military soon became recognized for carrying their culture with them down to the most meticulous detail, no matter where they were stationed in the world. In his book, British Campaign Furniture: Elegance Under Canvas, 1740-1914, Nicholas A. Brawer explains:
Throughout the Empire, British nationals could be found steadfastly, if not obstinately, asserting their Britishness by wearing tight-fitting, European clothes ill-suited to foreign climates…writing letters on carved elm or mahogany desks; sitting in upholstered leather armchairs; and sleeping in cushioned beds. Regardless of the corner of the globe they found themselves, the officers of the British Empire and their ladies acted with almost complete disregard for the culture, geography, and climate in which they were stationed.
Among the most popular designs of campaign furniture were bass-bound military chests. Oftentimes these were split into two sections, which allowed for easy transport. Each half could be hung over the back of a mule. Indeed, compact furniture design became popular both abroad and at home. One could purchase campaign furniture whether he was a member of the military, navy, or just a civilian who had enough money to afford a piece. The upper class of society would often use tables that could be extended or shortened for accommodating different numbers of guests at dinner parties. Lower class society found campaign furniture perfect for solving problems with a lack of household space. Sofas that could expand into beds for guests were among the most convenient pieces for small homes.

Antique collapsible campaign furniture can often be seen in house museums throughout the nation, such as our local Owens-Thomas House Museum, here in Savannah!
Please browse our website or give us a call to learn about what pieces of campaign furniture we have in stock today!

Books Used for Writing this Blog:

British Campaign Furniture: Elegance Under Canvas, 1740-1914 by Nicholas A. Brawer