Military or “campaign” furniture was an ingenious design phenomenon in the 18^th and 19^th century. In fact, one could argue that it had a profound effect on the way in which the British Empire governed its colonies during the days of colonial expansion.  

As the Nicholas A. Brawer states in his book “British Campaign Furniture – Elegance under Canvas 1740-1914”

“British Officers of high social position in the Georgian and late Victorian periods (1714 – 1901) took it for granted that when they set out on a military campaign in Africa or India they could enjoy the same standard of living as they did at home. While ‘under canvas’, as life in the camp was called, an officer and a gentleman assured himself a high degree of comfort by using specifically designed pieces or campaign or knock down furniture. The only real difference between fine household furniture and its counterpart was that the latter could be quickly folded up , packed away in boxes, transported and – without the use of nails tacks or tools – reassembled in ‘some corner of another field that was forever elegantly furnished in England. The superb designs of these pieces reflected the strong sense of superiority of the gentleman officer class, its rank in both society and the army, and its attitudes toward travel, camp and battle.”

The Groundbreaking Book by Nicholas A. Brawer British Campaign Furniture - Elegance Under Canvas 1740 - 1914.

Published by Harry N. Abrams Inc. New York 2001.

Available in most bookstores.

Today, the timeless aura of a military style piece of furniture lends itself well into the interior design psyche of the modern designer, no matter how novice. The clean lines, solid construction, metamorphism and the timeless feeling of grandeur have made our military pieces one of the most sought after ranges of classic furniture in the UK. And Dukewood & Co. have gone one step beyond the master makers of the past – we are using one of the finest timbers to offer this range of furniture in – rosewood…no wonder all the celebrity interior designers are endorsing the military collection and our brand!