Verco are suppliers to the contract market, based in Chapel Lane. Always a family business, it was founded in 1912 by William Vere, is now chaired by his grandson Derek, and Derek’s son Richard is currently Managing Director. So, there’s a continuity that enables everyone to know each other. Tour the factory and there’s a calmness and friendliness that comes across. Another key to success is a loyal workforce: a third of the staff have worked there for over 25 years.
The company has retained its reputation for excellence over the years by providing products that the customer wants, constant design innovation, in-house R&D and having a presence at the cutting-edge design hub in Clerkenwell. Verco has also been active in the local community sponsoring the Chairboys for many years.
Robin Day
Those visiting Django’s for coffee or Patch on business, may have seen the Robin Day Studio and wondered who he was. Robin was born in High Wycombe in 1915 and showed an early talent for drawing. The son of a railwayman who became a police constable, he studied at the local technical college and then went on to the Royal College of Art. He won a prize at New York’s Museum of Modern Art and designed all the seating for the Festival Hall at the time of the Festival of Britain.
Robin and his wife Lucienne, a textile designer, have been dubbed the ‘Posh and Becks’ of the design world for their work during the second half of the 20th Century.
Robin designed the instantly recognisable polypropylene stacking chair that filled schools and village halls, selling 14 million worldwide. His Toro seating adorns many London underground stations. For 25 years the couple were design consultants for the John Lewis Partnership.
So, from Wycombe beginnings to a worldwide reputation and a Royal Designer for Industry. Which of our children will follow his eminent example? For more information, visit robinandluciennedayfoundation.org or follow on Instagram @robinlucienneday
Wycombe Museum
Make sure you don’t miss The Art of the Chair at Wycombe Museum running through to 2nd February 2025. This exhibition is all about the art, design, manufacture and marketing of chairs. From Victorian travelling salesmen’s miniature chair samples and design artwork, to slick 1970s adverts. Discover the designs that made Wycombe chairs known around the world. Be inspired and have a go at the fun chair activities.
During July, make sure to take in the Chilterns-wide Chair Festival. Discover the remarkable history of chairmaking that made High Wycombe world famous. See how that legacy lives on today, with talks, family events and more. Visit wycombemuseum.org.uk or follow on Instagram @WycombeMuseum
