Comments on: The Last East End Chair Frame Makers

By: Richard oakford

Richard oakford — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:17:41 +0000

What a shame this wonderful firm has gone I worked there from September 1981 till 1989 they were realy gooid too work for it was there that I damaged my spine I had some really good years with them they helped me a lot brilliant people to work for and I thank them for all the help they gave me I hope they have a wonderful retirement they deserve it god bless you both

By: John Francis

John Francis — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:26:56 +0000

Re the company I trained with as a upholsterer used to buy from Vaughans for over fifty years. Infact I can remember my bosses father Stanley bonella saying he as a young man always used them as there frames were so good

By: Stuart

Stuart — Thu, 17 Jan 2019 18:23:04 +0000

Another framemakers goes , I work for combined framemakers and the daily closure off framemakers are the norm now , luckily enough we are very busy and are picking up new customers, it’s a shame too see another go ,

By: metin

metin — Mon, 14 May 2018 15:14:10 +0000

i will like to get price for the armchair and sofabed frame i like to get some dining chair style and price i am last 40 years running upholstery shop in clarence rd in hackney

By: Dahouk

Dahouk — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 10:13:14 +0000

Hi,
I have been trying to get in touch with Vaughan without success and finally landed on your article to realised that they have retired.
Would you have any telephone number for them by any chance!
Many thanks
Dahouk

By: Gaye Tirimanne

Gaye Tirimanne — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 23:48:56 +0000

What an interesting story and such wonderful photographs. You’ve done them proud.

By: Kasey Grier

Kasey Grier — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 12:28:25 +0000

I too am concerned about the drawings and other records from the firm. They belong in an archive, probably the V&A. I am writing from the U.S. — is there anyone who reads the blog who could help with this?

Thank you for this wonderful post.

By: Roy

Roy — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 10:01:40 +0000

Speaking as a chair maker having started 07/09/1967 this looks and sounds very familiar. A sad comment on modern life! Yes-a through away age in general. Not altogether though as there are still company’s Howe London and individuals that appreciate the traditional skills that are in decline but still breathing just. I ran a small furniture business making bespoke furniture and chairs and employing four people plus myself and my wife in the office. It has closed now after i sold it in 2004. It was getting more and more difficult to find enough work at the right price to maintain the business. The price competition from products imported from places beyond our shores was ever increasing. It always amazed in the vast amounts of money paid for modern contemporary kitchens by comparison. But all is not lost. I see many young people coming forward in this field. I think that the trade does not die but changes as with everything. There are some superb makers out there. Go out there people and support them because with out your support the trade will cease. With out change we might all be sitting in trees now or dragging our knuckles in the earth.

By: Gary Arber

Gary Arber — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 13:54:48 +0000

Another old business which like mine which remains only on the internet, where it will stay until it finally fades into electrons
Gary

By: Sharon

Sharon — Sun, 04 Jun 2017 12:25:32 +0000

Such evocative photographs!
How sad to hear of the end of another specialist craft, especially at a time when, belatedly, more people are waking up to the senselessness of our throw-away society and beginning to treasure the bespoke and handmade. I would like to think that there is some skilled craftsman somewhere who could continue this family’s specialist work.
I wish James and Hales a well-earned retirement.