Belvoir armchair by Lloyd Loom

In 1919, Minnesota-based inventor Marshall Burns Lloyd advertised the UK patent for his weaving process, which combined twisted paper and fine steel wire. This 'Lloyd Loom Weave' had conquered the pram market in America, so it must have seemed like a can't-lose opportunity.

Step forward William Lusty, who snapped up the patent and began production in 1921. After five years, though, his factory was on the brink of collapse. While prams sold, nobody was convinced Lloyd Loom furniture was suitable for indoor use - until London North Eastern Railways filled its hotels with it and demand took off. The Belvoir graced royal yachts, ocean liners and the royal boxes at Henley and Wimbledon. Production stopped in 1940 when a Luftwaffe strike destroyed the East London factory.

Skip to 1985 when, struggling to meet demand for original pieces, furniture maker David Breese began production anew in Spalding, using original techniques. Renowned for their longevity, each chair is still handmade in the original paper weave, with classic styles sharing space with modern updates.

Belvoir armchair, £311, Lloyd Loom of Spalding

Chosen by Livingetc

Photograph by Katya De Grunwald