THE CROWN STORY
CROWN IMPERIAL
A Story of British Craftsmanship and Sustainable Innovation
From humble beginnings in post-war Britain to becoming a leading name in British furniture manufacturing, Crown Imperial’s story is one of resilience, craftsmanship, and a constant drive for innovation.
It all began in 1946, when Len Head, a former Royal Air Force pilot who flew VIP transport missions across the North Atlantic, retired and turned his attention to a new venture. After securing a licence to purchase timber, Len began crafting small wooden toys for children. This soon evolved into a line of nursery furniture sold from a modest shop on Fulham High Street in London, marking the start of Crown Products.
Throughout the 1950s, the company expanded into contract furniture, producing desks and chairs for local councils. In 1959, Crown relocated to a small factory in Herne Bay, Kent, where Len’s son, Michael Head, joined the 12 person team.
The 1960s were a transformative decade. Crown became one of the UK’s largest specialist furniture manufacturers, supplying the British Government and producing thousands of wooden frames for Lyons and Wall’s ice cream stands. After Len suffered a heart attack, Michael took over as Managing Director, with Len later becoming Chairman.
Crown continued to grow through the 1970s, investing in automated machinery and expanding its factory building, so much so they employed a full-time bricklayer for nearly a decade.
However, it was the 1980s that marked a turning point. A sudden government freeze on furniture procurement prompted Crown to pivot. Embracing opportunity, the company began focusing on high-quality kitchen furniture, laying the foundation for the future. In 1987, Crown opened its purpose-built 100,000 sq. ft. production facility, a bold step that would support decades of growth.
The 1990s ushered in a new era, as Michael’s sons Barry and Martin, both Birmingham University graduates, joined the business. In 1995, the now iconic Crown Imperial kitchen range was launched, reflecting a blend of classic British design with contemporary living.
In the 2000s, Crown made significant investments in cutting-edge manufacturing technology and expanded its customer experience with the opening of Crown Daventry in 2000, a 15,000 sq. ft. showroom showcasing 50 full kitchen and bedroom lifestyle sets. By 2006, the company celebrated its 60th anniversary, offering over 6,000 products. Two years later, the launch of the Crown Lifespace collection introduced stylish, practical home office and storage solutions.
The 2010s were defined by ongoing innovation and a deepening commitment to sustainability. In 2016, Crown marked its 70th anniversary with a new chapter: Barry Head became Managing Director, with Michael becoming Chairman. Crown’s range continued to evolve with new timeless and contemporary styles, all manufactured with precision and care in Herne Bay.
In the 2020s, the momentum continued. 2020 marked 20 years of inspiration at Crown Daventry. In 2021, the company proudly celebrated 75 years of British manufacturing excellence. By 2023, Daventry’s showroom was fully remodelled, unveiling eight new bedroom sets and on trend storage solutions. Alongside this, Crown launched a series of cabinetry enhancements across its kitchen collection, further strengthening its position in the market.
Yet, while style and innovation remain key pillars of Crown Imperial, sustainability is equally central to the company’s values. Over decades, Crown has built an environmentally responsible operation. Its factory uses FSC® certified wood, with cabinetry boards made from up to 40% recycled fibre. Paints are non-toxic and water-based, chosen for both safety and environmental impact.
Crown’s Herne Bay production site also reflects decades of sustainable investment. Since the 1980s, Biomass boiler’s have provided renewable heating for both the factory and offices, significantly reducing energy use and reliance on fossil fuels. The entire site runs on energy-efficient LED lighting, and the company’s custom built 13.5m triple-deck trailers ensure cost-effective, low-emission furniture delivery into distribution.
Now, in 2025, Crown Imperial remains a proudly third-generation family business, committed to British manufacturing, innovative design, and sustainability. For almost eight decades, the Crown team has been delivering beautifully crafted kitchens and furniture that meet the evolving needs of modern life, built to last, made responsibly, and always with the customer in mind.
Our Story in Numbers
30K
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+27%
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15M
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890
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1946
Crown Products was founded by Len Head in 1946, following his retirement from the Royal Air Force where he had been flying VIP transport planes across the North Atlantic. Following his success in obtaining a license to purchase timber as a raw material, he began by manufacturing small wooden toys for children. This developed into a range of nursery furniture which was sold from a small shop in Fulham High Street, London.
1950's
Crown Products began manufacturing desks and chairs for the local county council and then became contract manufacturers.
1959 saw Crown relocate from London to a small factory in Herne Bay, Kent. Michael Head (Len’s son) joined the business of 12 employees.
1960's
The 1960’s saw Crown evolve as one of the country’s largest specialist manufacturers of furniture with the British Government as the main customer. Crown also manufactured the wooden frames for thousands of Lyons and Wall’s ice cream stands.
Michael Head was appointed Managing Director after his father suffered a heart attack and following a period of rest Len became Chairman.
1970's
The company continued to expand, with a host of new automated machinery and factory buildings. At one point they employed a full-time bricklayer who spent almost 10 years laying bricks and carrying out other building tasks!
1980's
In 1980 a political decision enforced a suspension on purchasing of furniture by all government departments. Crown took the decision to quickly diversify and focus on the production of high quality kitchen furniture.
1987 saw the opening of a new 100,000 ft². production facility, designed as the cornerstone for expansion for many years to come.
1990's
Following the family traditions, 1990 saw Michael’s two sons Barry and Martin join the business. Both graduates from the University of Birmingham, they marked a new era of development.
1995 saw the introduction of the Imperial range of kitchen furniture.
2000's
Continued key investment in technology
2000 – Crown in Daventry opened. A 15,000 sq. ft. inspirational furniture showcase boasting 50 lifestyle sets of Crown Kitchens, Living and Bedrooms.
2006 – Crown celebrated another achievement – 60 years of manufacturing and offering over 6000 different products.
2008 – Crown launched its Crown Lifespace collection, featuring a host of innovative storage solutions and working at home designs.
2010's
Continued key investment throughout the decade with the arrival of new machinery and stunning furniture styles.
2016 – A momentous occasion, marking a remarkable milestone, with the celebration of Crown’s 70th anniversary as a leading British furniture manufacturer. The Crown Imperial story also began a new chapter, with Barry Head third generation of the family, taking the helm as Managing Director and Michael Head became Chairman.
2020 – Crown Daventry celebrated its 20 year anniversary of inspiring thousands of visitors to find their dream furniture scheme.
2020's
2021 – A landmark year in the history of Crown Imperial, as we celebrated our 75th anniversary of British manufacturing excellence.
2023 – Crown Daventry re-modelled its entire first floor space to create eight new stunning bedroom room sets, to reflect the latest style and storage trends and a ‘must have’ destination for customers looking for bedroom furniture inspiration. Crown Imperial also introduced a host of new cabinetry enhancements across its entire kitchen collection.
2024 – As a third generation family business over seven decades, the Crown team continues to deliver the latest furniture innovations, dedicated to creating the highest quality furniture to meet the needs of modern lifestyles.
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