Cupboard, veneered in teak on plywood, designed by J. Christopher Heal, made by William Birch Ltd., Britain, 1949-50

Rectangular cupboard veneered in teak over plywood, with two doors and standing on four short straight legs

Given by J. Christopher Heal

The Utility Furniture Scheme was begun in 1942 by the Board of Trade as a means of rationing the production and consumption of furniture. The Scheme was an historically unprecedented example of government regulation of furniture design and production. It represented what many saw as a practical effort to regulate the use by manufacturers of basic raw materials, wood and petrol especially, that would be in great demand during the war. In terms of consumption it ordered the priority by which members of the public would be allowed to purchase furniture; only those who needed furniture would be allowed to buy. The Scheme evolved into an attempt by members of its Design Panel - especially Gordon Russell - to raise what they saw as the low level of design in Britain. The idea was to produce pieces that were well designed in terms of construction and appearance: solid, durable furniture that would be distinctly modern but appropriate to wartime. Restrictions were relaxed in 1949 and Utility furniture production was officially ended in 1952.

As the regulations on furniture manufacture under the war-time Utility Furniture Scheme were relaxed in the late 1940s, furniture makers were allowed to use a wider range of woods, such as the teak veneer on this cabinet. Christopher Heal designed this cabinet as part of a series from 1949–50. The first batch was made by William Birch of High Wycombe, but the licence was later taken over by Kandya Ltd of London.

W.29-1980