Buoyant Upholstery Buoyant Upholstery was founded by Ebenezer Savidge in 1909. We are a company with a proud heritage developing numerous sofas and chairs since the start of the 20th Century. Currently, our two production plants deliver to a broad range of retailers in the UK and Ireland. If you are interested in any of our models, please ask your local furniture retailer for more information on availability.
We were originally located in Bridge Street, Sandiacre, near Nottingham until we relocated in 1973 to our current factory in Hallam Road, Nelson, near Pendle Hill which is famous for it's association with witchcraft! In March 1999, Buoyant was acquired by the Wade Furniture Group of Long Eaton, near Nottingham.
Buoyant Products - We produce a wide range of models in different styles and materials, in a variety of categories such as fabric, leather, sofa beds and corner groups. Our development team are currently constructing angled sofas, which offer a distinctive alternative to traditional sofas and corner groups. Over 50 of our models are split into different styles; Modern Living, Transitional and Traditional, to cover all tastes. To give our products greater versatility, the Motion and Function capability can be added as an option to some of our models.
Kenneth & the Buoyant logo
So who is Kenneth? Kenneth is the name given to the Buoyant logo which comprises a rather long-legged man reclining in a comfortable chair. The logo was named after Kenneth Savidge (born in 1921) who was the third son of the company founder, Ebenezer Savidge. Sadly Ebenezer died in 1934 when Kenneth was too young to join the company but his name lived on in the logo.
Early advertisements are believed to have featured the line "Kenneth, get out of your seat and let your father sit down". During the 30's, 40's and 50's Kenneth regularly appeared in adverts extolling the virtues of Buoyant Upholstery.
About Us - The Buoyant Heritage - In the last century, Buoyant Upholstery developed a wide range of products for consumers, cinemas, theatres, bars, hotels, trains, Selfridges and even Cross Channel Steamers!
Products in the last century: Wood & fabric chairs, lounge bed, settees, armchairs, stools, mattresses, bar seats, cinema seats, train seats, bed settees.
In November 1933, we developed a new product which was known as a bed settee. It was advertised in “The Cabinet Maker and Complete House Furniture” magazine.
According to the magazine, the dual purpose settee was of a perfect structural design that was very easy to convert into a double bed fit for two, yet comfortable to sit in when it reverts back to a settee. We are proud to be one of the companies who have developed this type of furniture which is still popular in the 21st Century!
In February 1936, we advertised in “The Cabinet Maker and Complete House Furniture” to tell people that 1,250 easy chairs and other upholstery pieces were made for the Cunard White Star Line, RMS Queen Mary. It was also featured in the “Shipbuilding and Shipping Record” magazine around May of the same year. Below is a picture of that ship which currently lies as a hotel/restaurant/museum at Long Beach, California USA.
We also helped to re-equip the RMS Queen Elizabeth with big easy chairs for the saloons, settees for the lounges and bergères for the cabins.
Then on 18th January 1940 during the 2nd World War we had a disastrous fire in the factory at Bridge Street, Sandiacre. Sadly, 2 people died in the fire and production was halted for several weeks.
Buoyant Upholstery have appeared in regular advertising campaigns in the past through national newspapers such as The Daily Telegraph and The Daily Mail culminating in a feature in the Daily Express in November 1955. It was the biggest national campaign we had done since the Second World War.
Why choose Buoyant?
High quality build, finish and specification
Accurate lead times and efficient delivery service
Regular sales support and information for retailers
Full two year manufacturers warranty
Total quality management systems in production
Localised after sales service and support
High quality designs with UK track record
Fabric & leather models to suit most tastes
Almost 100 years experience in designing & producing great sofas & chairs!
Development & Production of sofas
Experienced and focussed design resource
Exclusive design capabilities
Dedicated in-house development team
Rapid and high quality turnaround facility
New display stand at Salterforth Exhibition Centre
Over 400 strong workforce
In-house wood-mill and frame shop
In-house cutting & sewing teams
'JIT' Cellular based production techniques for efficiency
Static, Motion, Electric Motion and Sofa bed capability
Delivery Info: Approx delivery time on all Millbrook beds and mattresses is 2-4 weeks. We have some models available in stock for immediate delivery. Please contact the showroom to enquire after current stock levels.
Our Delivery Service: Our delivery service is a 2 person delivery in to the room of your choice. Upon receipt of your new bed or mattress in to our depot we will contact you to arrange a mutually convenient delivery time. Please specify any special delivery requirements or circumstances when placing you order.
Made in the UK!
Millbrook beds and mattresses are BRITISH MADE & manufactured in Southampton, Hampshire. To view other models from the Millbrook range click here. Also you can register your new bed or mattress with Millbrook here.
Where to see Millbrook beds and mattresses: To view Millbrook products please visit our Knutsford showroom; Allen & Appleyard Ltd, The Old Town Hall, Princess Street, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0TR. NOTE: Before attending the showroom please call us on 01565 634 049 to book your appointment.
