Desser & Co is a proud, fourth-generation family business, specializing in the craftsmanship of natural rattan furniture for your conservatory, summerhouse, and home as well as beautiful outdoor furniture for your garden. Established in 1919, we have over a century of experience in delivering high-quality furniture to stockists across the UK and to the public. Our commitment to quality is reflected in every piece we produce, from the expertly hand-crafted rattan frames to the cushions, which are meticulously made by our skilled team here in the UK. At Desser & Co, we combine tradition and innovation to create timeless furniture that enhances the beauty and comfort of your living spaces.
How it all started
Desser & Company Ltd has a proud heritage stretching back over four generations of the same family. The fascinating story starts in the dark days of WWI when Issac Desser, as a young British soldier, was posted to serve on the front line in Belgium. It was here that he came into contact with Flemish craftsman who were producing various types of basketware . . . and an idea was born.
Like many new family businesses, it had humble beginnings, at first being run from the front parlour of Issac’s mother-in-law’s terraced house in Whitfield Street, Manchester where his wife Annie and her family helped to pack the goods for despatch to customers.
Isaac's brother Simon joined the business then later, in 1932, Issac’s son Morris joined the company – at the same time as young secretary, Miriam Marcus. Romance blossomed, and she became Mrs Miriam Desser, continuing a contribution to the company over many years.
After the Second World War, Simon’s son-in-law Ronnie Stewart joined Desser & Company, which was now housed at Lord Street, Cheetham and as the business continued to expand, a move to a larger, but still cramped, basement in Robert Street took place.
Further expansion, supplying large companies around the UK such as Harrod's, signalled another move in the early Seventies to an impressive purpose-built warehouse and showroom in Bradstone Road, Cheetham. By this time, Morris’ son Gordon had also joined the business, followed by Ronnie’s two sons Michael and Barry.
Issac died in 1975, having continued to work almost to his 80th year. His great-grandson, Gordon’s son Simon, joined Desser in 1987, forming the fourth generation of the family business. The company continued to grow, importing wickerware from across Europe, from behind the Iron Curtain and eventually from the Peoples Republic of China.
It was during the 70's that Desser & Company also started importing rattan furniture from Indonesia, of which is what it has now become renowned for in the furniture industry, supplying stockists, commercial projects and the public since. An upholstery section was also later introduced which allowed us to make high spec cushions and other soft furnishings here in the UK.
Where we are now
In 1997 Michael’s son Mark also joined the company and later, Barry's son David joined in 2016, resulting in the company still being in its 4th generation of family. During this period, Desser has continued to add new and innovative products such as outdoor fabric furniture as well as rattan and mango wood pieces for your home. Additionally, the company also celebrated its 100th year in 1919 and then in 2024, a move also took place to a newer and more accessible facility in Trafford Park, Manchester.
