Hille Furniture

Hille Furniture stands as a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship in the world of modern furniture design. Founded in the early 20th century, Hille transformed from a small family business into a global powerhouse, celebrated for its cutting-edge approach to materials and aesthetics. With roots in functional design and a deep commitment to quality, the brand was instrumental in popularising mid-century modernism, collaborating with visionary designers like Robin Day and Fred Scott.

Hille is one of the most important names in British mid century furniture design, best known for its long and highly influential collaboration with designer Robin Day.

The company was founded in London in 1906 by Salamon Hille, initially producing high-quality traditional furniture. Under the direction of his daughter Ray Hille, the company underwent a dramatic transformation after the Second World War, moving away from reproduction furniture and embracing modern British design.

Robin Day began working with Hille in 1949 following his success in the Museum of Modern Art’s International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture. Over the following decades he became central to Hille’s identity, designing not only furniture but also the company’s logo, catalogues, exhibition stands and showrooms.

The partnership produced some of the most recognisable furniture of post-war Britain, from early timber designs such as Hilleplan and Hillestak through to the revolutionary polypropylene chairs of the 1960s. Hille’s willingness to experiment with new materials and manufacturing techniques helped establish the company as a leading force in modern furniture production.

Today, original Hille furniture is valued both for its understated modernist styling and for its important place in the history of British design.