Quaker furniture maker celebrated
‘We would love local people who remember the factory, and the fire, to call in to the museum to share with us their memories.’
A Quaker arts-and-crafts furniture maker is to be celebrated this month with an exhibition dedicated to his work.
Ludlow Museum will showcase a selection of pieces by cabinet maker Arthur Reynolds at the ‘Reynolds of Ludlow’ exhibition.
In 1946 a factory was established at the bottom of Broad Street by Arthur Reynolds with his young son, Garth, as apprentice. Until it was devastated by fire in 1977 Reynolds of Ludlow is said to have represented the highest standard of Quaker-style furniture.
The display will feature pieces loaned to the museum by a local researcher of Reynolds, alongside photographs and catalogues illustrating the work and the fire.
The mayor of Ludlow, councillor Robin Pote, said: ‘We would love local people who remember the factory, and the fire, to call in to the museum to share with us their memories.’
Arthur Reynolds worked at the Paul Matt Furniture Company in South Wales as part of the Brynmawr Experiment, which Quakers set up to create employment and support in the depression-hit region in the 1920s and 1930s. After serving in world war two, he exhibited in 1951 at the Festival of Britain Exhibition. The firm also supplied prestigious retailers like Heals and Dunns.
According to the Mews Antiques website, ‘The Arts and Crafts influence and his Quaker beliefs came through in his approach. These Quaker beliefs manifested themselves in honesty, equality to the people they employed and quality.’
The museum is also hoping to hold a ‘Conversation with Garth Reynolds’ in the museum this month.
