Rose & Heather was established by Tim and Lucille Heather (nee Rose). The company first started producing round tables from their workshop in Cleveland Rd. Parnell, Auckland in the late ’70s.
For clients wishing to match their existing colonial pieces, the range proved to be more popular than the small team could produce and they quickly moved and expanded into a large workshop in Panmure Auckland. Lucille ran the showrooms in Newmarket, Remuera, Herne Bay, and Christchurch through the 1980s.
In the early 90’s the second generation, Martin Bell & Maryjane Heather joined the firm and expanded the business into Australia through the David Jones Department store chain. By 1995 you could buy R+H products across 20 stores in both New Zealand and Australia. The drive into Australia also meant a much greater focus on Design and given the footing the company had already established in terms of standard and service, the foundations were set. From this came Trenail, Eden, and Tumblehome. Ranges are still available today.
The principles of good design were always simple in terms of creating a classic piece by not “decorating” and the Trenail range in particular exhibited this by using the structural elements as a design detail. The company continued to grow and develop opening an outlet in Los Angeles in early 2000. The benefit of exposure to offshore markets helped further develop and confirm the importance of consistency, design, and service.
During this time the company won two NZ Export Awards and developed a catalogue of products that used almost exclusively NZ Ancient Swamp Kauri. Today the company continues to export, primarily to Australia and whilst still focused on Ancient Kauri, it utilises it primarily for decorative tops and drawer faces of the cabinetry. American white oak (Ash) now forms a significant volume of product and ties beautifully with the more simple, clean lines of the Newport Range.
Since 2017 the company has used the web to stay in contact with its’ Australian clients allowing Martin & Maryjane to focus on design development and production from their Auckland-based workshop. They regularly travel to Australia to personally deliver and install client orders and visit new projects.
Their son Elliott is actively involved in the business and brings enthusiasm and verve to a company well-established on principles of design, standard, and consistency.
