Barlow Tyrie History with The Royal Hospital and RHS Chelsea

As we work hard to build our first open-ground site at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we reflect on our history with the longstanding event and the Royal Hospital. 

Founded in 1920, Barlow Tyrie is the world’s oldest teak wood leisure furniture manufacturer. An international reputation based on stylish yet practical heritage and contemporary designs, traditional craftsmanship, and excellent customer service has made our brand synonymous with quality.

Humble beginnings and heritage

In 1919, following service in the First World War, The Castles Shipbreaking Company employed Victor Tyrie and Frederick Barlow on a government-subsidised training scheme to make outdoor furniture from Teak. In 1920, Victor, Frederick, and others started their own business in Walthamstow, London. This marked the beginning of our long-standing history in the industry, a heritage that we continue to uphold with pride and dedication. Over the past hundred years, the company has continued to grow and develop. It is still family-owned and managed by Victor Tyrie’s son, Peter, and grandsons, Mark and James. 

Pages from a 1920s Barlow Tyrie catalogue showing London and Rothesday seats still in production today.

Left to right on display in our Braintree reception: HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on a London Seat on honeymoon 1947, Chelsea Pensioner on a London Seat at Venus Fountain, Sloane Square c 1955, HRH Queen Elizabeth II 1977 with a Rothesay Seat.

Royal Hospital, Chelsea

Over 30 years ago, Barlow Tyrie was commissioned by the Royal Hospital to build 30+ Chelsea seats (design attributed to Edwin Lutyens) for the enjoyment of their residents, the Chelsea Pensioners.  These seats are still in use today.

Barlow Tyrie Chelsea seats in the Royal Hospital Grounds, Chelsea.

Barlow Tyrie at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Barlow Tyrie has been an exhibitor at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for over 40 years.

Carved Rothesay Seat to mark the King's Coronation, exhibited on the Barlow Tyrie stand at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023.

For further information on Barlow Tyrie outdoor furniture, go to www.teak.com or contact Charlotte French cfrench@teak.com 07787574978.