Unlike many modern furniture companies, we can trace our heritage back well over a century, to 1888 in fact. At that time furniture production relied on sourcing local timber and the skill of the craftsman making the pieces.

There was very little in the way of mass production and pieces were made with whatever wood was in plentiful supply locally. The craftsmen could turn their hand to most things and items of furniture were produced to order and often to the requirements of each individual customer.

These are traditions we still maintain in the business today and, although the founder of our company may be amazed at some of the machinery we use to make the task easier, and the end product more consistent, we are sure they would approve of the values we preserve, both in what we produce and how we make it.

“We believe that it is better to do a few things very well rather than a lot of things moderately well.”

If there is one aspect of our history that epitomises Cotswold Caners, it is the story of our owner which starts with an interest in furniture.

The theoretical and practical knowledge that Malcolm gained at the High Wycombe Furniture College was put to good use after graduating in 1977, when Malcolm started working for Ercol, one of the country’s leading furniture makers.

Whilst at college, and then Ercol, he competed at three World Rowing Championships with the GB Rowing Team, culminating in an Olympic Medal. These achievements cemented his wish to ensure his furniture truly represented British craftsmanship at its best. The above wish was rewarded at the Furniture Show, where he was awarded first prize for the best designed suite of furniture that year.

Malcolm actually joined Cotswold Caners in 1982 as he knew the Gibbs, having worked at their factory in High Wycombe whilst at college. As he says: “I have been very fortunate to have spent a lifetime doing something that is my passion, and I believe this is reflected in every piece of furniture we make.”