Stag furniture

Stag furniture was a mass market manufacturer that made some outstanding modern designs. They employed John and Sylvia Reid as design consultants.  Their first designs for Stag, the 'C' range, were minimalist in the extreme. Later John and Sylvia Reid designed 'Minstrel', which united eighteenth century elegance and modern day thinking. Stag Minstrel was one of the most successful ranges of furniture ever produced.

Stag 'C' range

The first project John and Sylvia Reid did for Stag was a new range of bedroom furniture called Cumberland. They took functionalist principles to their logical conclusion and designed a range of furniture that was cheap to mass produce, but was of high quality. There was no pretence that this new furniture was handmade by craftsmen; it was built by machine and was meant to look like it.

The original range was just one bedroom suite: a 3 ft wardrobe, a three-drawer chest and four-drawer chest with a mirror to allow either chest to be used as a dressing table. The units were stark in the extreme. There were no handles; the drawers and doors had recessed hand grips instead. All were straight sided boxes. The wardrobe was simply decorated with a plain mirror only nine inches wide placed to the left hand side. However, it was good enough for its purpose. Stag advertised it as for 'the young in heart and in pocket' and for a design of this quality, it was amazingly cheap.

Stag's Chairman, Vaughn Radford, was not impressed with Cumberland. He thought it would never sell. His two sons, however, loved it. At first, Vaughn was right. Sales were slow; no more than £5,000 in the first year. It took a while for people to accept such a stark design. However, interest in the range grew dramatically and by 1957 it was earning more than £500,000 a year for Stag.

As well as being a commercial success, the 'C' range had a strong influence on the design of mass market modern furniture throughout the fifties.

Stag Madrigal

Stag announced a surprising departure when the Company launched a new range of bedroom furniture called Madrigal, which visually derived inspiration from the past. Just as Stag shocked the industry in 1953 when they launched the almost Cubist 'C' Range, Madrigal was just as revolutionary.

John and Sylvia Reid, Stag's design consultants, also designed the new range. Madrigal echoed the simple elegance of the eighteenth century, but was not a copy. It was finished in traditional Honduras mahogany and had antique style brass handles. Madrigal though, was nothing like traditional furniture.

There was a perfectly commonsense commercial reason for Madrigal. Stag's contemporary 'C' range was now well established and offered customers a choice of more fashionable, darker walnut, rather than the original light oak. Stag's traditional 'A' range was outselling it though. Stag wanted a range of modern furniture, made on a modern production line that would nonetheless appeal to customers who did not like contemporary. Stags directors also reasoned that traditional looking furniture would give people a break from modern life, especially in the bedroom.

Madrigal ought to have been a runaway success, but it did not sell well. However, the idea was a good one and John and Sylvia Reid developed it further in the sixties.

Stag's modern furniture

In 1960, John and Sylvia Reid produced a stunning teak dining set for Stag. It was Stag's first venture into dining room furniture and set the firm apart from its competitors. The low, long sideboard was in teak veneer on slender satin finished steel legs. It could be assembled in units giving the impression of a single piece of furniture that was 10 feet long. The sideboard, combined with some elegant metal dining chairs with wooden backrests and a beautiful oval dining table in teak with steel legs, in the right setting, made a very luxurious looking dining room.

This new Stag furniture was adaptable and suited much smaller rooms. Sideboard units of 3 feet and 4 feet 6 inches in length could be used on their own. All of the pieces were inexpensive for the quality of the design. The 4' 6" sideboard cost only £26 [£410 in today's money], the dining chairs £8 15s [£138] and the table £17 [£268]. These amounts, however, were still significant investments for working families in the sixties.

Stag continued with their policy of innovative modern design. A couple of months after introducing the new dining room furniture, the Company launched a new range of bedroom furniture to replace the popular 'C' range. Also designed by John and Sylvia Reid, this new range featured metal legs and satin polished steel handles too. To modern eyes, it resembles office furniture, but at the time, it was perfectly suitable for a modern bedroom. They finished the new furniture in revolutionary Fineline birch veneer. Fineline was a new veneer that had straight grain lines and was easy to match.

A year later John and Sylvia Reid produced a modern lounge suite with a steel frame. However, this and the dining furniture were far from successful and Stag discontinued both ranges in early 1963.

Stag Minstrel

Stag's Madrigal range, introduced in the fifties, did not sell well. However, the Company's relationship with its creators, John and Sylvia Reid, continued. After designing some stunning modern furniture for Stag, the couple updated the traditional Madrigal range in 1964. The new range was Stag's best selling range of furniture, and possibly the best selling UK furniture range ever. Named Minstrel, the new range was an evolution of Madrigal.

Stag Minstrel furniture was made from makore (or African Cherry), both solid and veneered. It was of similar appearance to the earlier Madrigal, but had new, simpler brass handles.

Stag Minstrel was a great hit. Enough people had a liking for traditional style English furniture, without wanting genuine antique or modern reproduction. Minstrel gave them modern, practical and functional furniture that sacrificed no functionality to eye appeal, yet looked as elegant as any eighteenth century piece. It was also very good value for money. Stag's quantity buying of timber, efficient production and economies of scale meant no other manufacturer could offer similar designs at the same price.

Stag Minstrel found a place in the market that no-one had previously tapped. The adaptability of the design supported what eventually became a vast range. Stag Minstrel remained in production for nearly forty years.

Buy Stag furniture

I have found the best place to shop for any vintage or retro furniture is eBay. The choice is widest, you get to compare a number of different lots and you generally get a bargain price. You might pick up a bargain at a boot sale or charity shop, but eBay saves you the leg work.

Since Stag furniture covered a very wide range I have provided a number of different links. It is difficult to search for ranges such as Rondo or 'C' Range as most sellers don't describe them properly. These links should help you find the Stag pieces you are looking for.

Your comments on Stag furniture

"stag dark mahogany 3 door sideboard 1 glass cabinet 1 bookcase 1 occasional table 3 nest coffee tables All in good condition need to change over to lighter and smaller furniture as moved into a bungalow. What price could I ask for above furniture, any ideas" mmroose

"Love it, love it, love it! Am gutted not making any more - need another wardrobe :-(" claire baker

"We have a Stag Madrigal sideboard, dining table (5' extending to 6'6"), 4 chairs and 2 carvers for sale. All in good condition. Any idea how much we can ask for these?" Michelle Williams

Hi, Is this the original Madrigal from the 50s or the relaunched Madrigal from the 70s? Retrowow

"It's the relaunched Madrigal - we bought it around 1982." Michelle Williams

It's difficult to say, it all depends on condition for such a recent piece of furniture. Madrigal does not have the same following as Minstrel. Recently a Madrigal dining table and chairs only made 10 on eBay, however it did have some minor damage and water marks. If it was all excellent condition you could try 100 for the table and chairs and another 100 for the sideboard. Retrowow

"Dear Steven, I have a Stag Minstrel Dresser which I would like to sell. Could you please reccommend the best place to advertise it and what would be a reasonable price? (The sideboard consists of 3 doors and 3 drawers, the top consists of a pulldown drinks cabinet, glass display shelf, a 2 glass door cabinet enclosing 2 glass shelves and light). Good condition. Regards Elizabeth." Elizabeth

Hi Elizabeth, You can give your contact details on this site if you want to sell the dresser. Other people have done something similar. Otherwise try eBay, or possibly the local paper. Price depends on condition. I think around £100 would be reasonable for a Stage Minstrel dresser in good condition. Retrowow

"We have a beautiful Stag Cherry bedroom suite for sale - rare, as you mostly see mahogany for sale. It consists of: 1 x two door wardrobe (long hanging with top storage shelf) 1 x linen press - gorgeous, 3 lrge drawers at base and mirror doors at top. Can be used as wardrobe or we have the shelves to use traditionally for linen. 1 x tall wide drawer unit 1 x gentlemans dresser - tall slim drawers, with a lift up lid to access jewellery etc. Has a mirror in the lid - such a useful piece. 2 a bedside drawers/occasional drawers. We've had from new and they've been lovingly cared for - no polish! Email: amanda01@aqualityplace.co.uk - will consider splitting." Amanda

"Hi! I am looking for a Stag Minstrel small extending dining table. I believe there was a table about 36" in diameter which could be extended. Can anyone help?" Eileen Brand

"hello i have a stag wardrobe. recently i lost the keys to the doors. unfortunately those doors where locked and i really need in without damaging it. any way i can do this or get replacement keys??" Janessa Menary

Hi Janessa, I would have thought a locksmith would be the best bet. Retrowow

"Hi, Do you have any idea where I could get the special hinges for the drop down flap on the pull out writing desk Stag unit. Phil." Phil

"Anyone have a Stag Minstrel 4 drawer bedside chest for sale please. Devon if possible. thanks." Helen email: hjaymailbox-honey@yahoo.co.uk

"Hi Were can I purchase an Stag Dining Table and Chairs." Ted

There are few Stag items offered by readers in this section. You can also get Stag furniture on eBay. Retrowow

"I still have a few pieces of stag furniture in my bedroom, has been passed down in the family. i have a rather large wardrobe , dressing table and headboard, all bought in the 70's. i think they look great , even today!!" Frances Keenan

"We've just had a set of Stag Minstrel back from store and a couple of the ring handles on a the chest of drawers have a blue-ish corrosion effect on them, presumably some copper from the allloy used. Any ideas on what to do/not to do?

Also, our Minstrel 5-drawer dresser is now too big to fit in, very good cond., mirrors recently redone, any offers? (Possibly less good news: we're to Truro, Cornwall.)" Andy Rendell (email: andrewrendell@btinternet.com)

"We have a Stag uplift table which looks like it is in mahogany. Please could anyone tell us what this could be used for as we are looking to sell it" Anna Copeland

"I bought some Stag Nocturne bedroom furniture when I bought my first flat in 1978. It was a moulded plastic painted white with a beech top, either natural or stained green. We had problems with a long lead time and then on some pieces the white paint rubbed off the handles but it was eventually sorted. Over the years I've sold or given away most of it as I've moved around but I still have a chest of drawers and a bedside chest and they're still serviceable." Barbara Bampton

"I am looking for a Stag Duet range bedroom suite, 2 x sets of drawers and a dressing table. If anyone has one or knows where i could find these please contact me at smellor_45@yahoo.co.uk. I have tried ebay but it seems to be mostly minstrel!" Sarah Mellor

"hi i am looking to buy stag furniture polish.  please let me know where can i get it from. thanks" kurian ninan

"hi we have a stag small dresser for sale in very good condition, asking price is £80 anyone interested please e-mail us at j.dewhurst@ntlworld.com we live in leicestershire." j.dewhurst

"I have just been GIVEN a stag dressing table with mirror and chest of drawers. Can anyone confirm to me that these are of the minstrel range.. the chest has two normal size drawers with trade ring handles, followed by three smaller drawers with brass round coloured knobs, followed by two normal size drawers again. The dressing table has three small drawers with the round brass handles and then two longer, normal sized drawers with ring handles again. I think from the reseach I have done that these are of the minstrel range, but would like if possible this confirmed or info where I might see this range in a picture. I will not be selling them, as I love them, but was curious to know how old they may be,I was told 1950's? and more importantly how I may patch up the small scratches and wearing of colour round a couple of the handles. Much as I don't like to replace the handles I think I am going to have to - am looking for similar if anyone has any ideas. Thanks" Tracy

Hi Tracy, There is a Stag Minstrel dressing table picture on this page. Does yours look similar? I'm not sure where you get handles from. I would try looking for antique style ones in a restoration shop. You will probably find something similar. Retrowow

"I have bought a number of pieces from the Stag Minstrel range and altough they are sound they have scratches and some dents. I saw your advice about treating sun fading but do you know what the factory finish to this furniture was made up of please?" Conor Barry

In the factory the finish was produced in stages. First the grain was filled with a stain. Then the wood was sanded down with fine sandpaper. It was then finished with lacquer to a matt finish. Then very finely sanded and lacquered again.

To repair minor scratches you could try sanding with ultra fine paper and finishing with a matt lacquer. Retrowow

"My Nana had the Stag Minstrel dressing table, wardrobe and bedstead with built in side cabinets. It is in good condition and up for sale. Please contact nicwortho@yahoo.co.uk. Doncaster" Nicola

"I have two pieces of stag furniture for sale. I live in Nottingham - stag minstrel 4 poster bed surround 65 - stag versaille tv/video cabinet (Cherry) 120 tel 07799340643" paul boyd

"We have a stag Minstrel? dining suite with six chairs. In a recent move to Spain, one of the carvers was badly damaged (rt leg and arm broken). Does anyone know where we can get either the replacement parts or a new chair frame?" Mike Barnes

"Hello, Is there anyone out there who has a stag 'melford, dressing table for sale. Thanks" roger hall

"I have just 'inherited' a bedroom suite in teak. It is from the Stag Cantata range, very Retro now. It was bought in 1969, I cannot find any refernce to this range on any website. The label on the back of the wardrobe clearly says The Stag furniture Company." Lyn

"We have a Stag minstrel Mahogany bed surround And the side rail has broken when moved to clean can we get a rail and studs and nuts any where as spare parts please?" Shirley Shilleto

"Is there anyone in the Worcestershire area with a Stag Minstrel full sized wardrobe for sale. (edrudge@mypostoffice.co.uk)" Eddie Rudge

"I have 2 Stag Minstrel chests of drawers for sale. They are in good condition and price is negotiable. However i do know what they are currently going for on Ebay etc. If anyone wants then email me at ffrankthecrank@aol.com" Francis Sweeney

"I have a Stag Minstrel Dining Suite for sale comprising of large dresser, small sideboard, round table extends to oval, 4 chairs and nest of tables. Buyer to collect. Good condition but chairs need re-covering. l.kearley@ntlworld.com" Linda Kearley

"hello i have a stag wardrobe at home it was made in 1987 ??range i just wondered how much they were worth now if it is a antique piece of furniture because im looking at painting it if you could get back to me asap be grateful thanks" jessica

Hi Jessica, You can work out how much things are worth by finding something similar in completed listings on eBay. It is up to you if you want to paint it. Stag furniture in good condition will have some value.  Painting paining any good quality furniture, other than a restoration to the original condition will make it much less attractive to a buyer and consequently less valuable. Retrowow

"We have for sale the following items: Stag Meredew Mahogany dining table with 6 chairs (2 of these are carvers). (1985) Stag Meredew large wall display unit (to match table) - (3 cupboards at bottom), 1 glass display section, 1 drink drop down cupboard. (1985) 1 x mahogany TV/hi-fi unit (don't think this is Stag) but matches the above furniture. If you have any queries/want photos, please email me on estellemcguire@yahoo.co.uk. (Based in Wigan, Lancashire)." Estelle Davies

"i've got a stag minstrel tall boy for sale good condition 45, buyer collects (Shropshire) Cheers " Dave (email davedohertyuk @ hotmail.com)

"Pam, I had the same problem of sun fade. The best result was by using 'Topps Scratch Cover Polish' liberally using a dry soft lint free cloth (an old cotton vest!), as evenly as possible. I left it to soak in overnight then rubbed the furniture over (with the remainder of the vest) to remove the excess polish. An energetic rub with a soft duster brought up the subtle gleam beautifully. The polish used to be readily available in a 100ml bottle, but there is an address on the back of the bottle:- E.R. Howard Ltd, Ipswich, England. Good luck, but at your own risk!" Pat

"Over many years we have accumulated quite a bit of Stag Minstrel furniture. However, after moving to Spain 22 years ago some of it is rather unevenly sun faded.

We are happy to refurbish/restore it to its former glory ourselves, but have not been able to discover what was the original surface finish. I have tried John Lewis from whom we bought it, but they have no idea.

Any assistance or ideas will be very much appreciated, as we still love it to bits." Pam BUSHNELL

"Does anybody know (preferably of a website, other than eBay) where I might find pieces from the Stag Sheridan range? It clearly wasn't as popular as the Minstrel range, but I would love to find some complimentary tables etc. Thanks for any help." Raymond Fenet

"I grew up with the Stag dining set. I believe it was a wedding present from my grandparents to my parents. The oval table has an extension which is stored under the top, and my parents had six of the chairs which are beige/grey leather and not black. They have two of the three foot sideboards, and I believe a matching trolley. It all still looks fantastic in their house despite the abuse my brother and I dished out over the years." Colin

"I bought the Stag teak dining room furniture in 1961 and still have it in daily use. It has been to South Africa where we lived for a number of years and is now back in UK where it is still going strong. I still think it is a good looking design and is light and airy in the small UK dining rooms. I have never seen it in any other house or advertised anywhere.

Upstairs we have Minstrel which is also a classic in my view." Brian

"Can I get a lamp or coffee table in the Stag Sandringham range?" marion eadie

Sorry, I don't know. Stag is no longer made. The best way to buy used furniture is to look for what you want on eBay. You can also get a good idea of how much much to pay by looking at 'Completed Listings' Retrowow

"Hi There can you please supply or tell us of a supplier of replacement handles for Stag Minstrel bedroom furniture thanks" Allan Thomson Methven

Hi Allan, I'm not aware of anyone who sells handles specifically for Stag Minstrel. There are a number of alternatives that might be worth trying. Stag Minstrel handles are of an antique style, there may be specialist furniture restoration shops that sell something similar, or you might try the local DIY store. You could also try finding a tatty piece of Stag in a charity shop or boot sale and buying it just for the handles.

I did also find A Watts & Sons Ltd, 241 Birchfield Road East, Northampton NN3 2HG (Telephone: 01604 711244), who sell second-hand Stag Minstrel furniture. They might be able to help. Retrowow

"DO STAG MINSTREL DO A SMALL BOOKCASE" PAT HARRISON

I think there was a bookcase in the Minstrel range, but I am not one hundred percent sure. Retrowow

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