The early days…
When Ralph Capper began his furniture career working for Hille in 1966, Hille were at the forefront of the industry. Robin Day designed many iconic pieces for the company and it seemed the world revolved around Hille. It was not unusual to share the lift with the Beatles as they visited Brian Epstein’s office above Hille’s London showroom in Albemarle Street. Ralph ran the Manchester showroom at 50 Sackville Street until 1975.

Oasis
In November 1975 Ralph opened the first Ralph Capper Interiors Limited office on Tenterden Street, Bury. When Hille left Manchester in 1983, Ralph took on the large showroom as Ralph Capper Interiors. The company soon developed a reputation as high quality independent furniture consultants, providing an important service to architects, designers and their clients. The 50 Sackville Street showroom was described as ‘an Oasis’ amongst the grit and grime of 1980’s ‘Madchester’ and frequently played host to talks by world renowned designers such as Carlo Forcolini, Perry King and Santiago Miranda. Each occasion was attended by over 100 architects and designers.

By the 1990’s Ralph Capper Interiors completed many prestigious projects including Powergen’s Head Office, Manchester Airport Terminal 2, Barclays Bank Plc, The Halifax Building Society HQ, Arthur Andersen & Co, The Tootal Group and National Power HQ to name but a few.

Step On
In 1997, 50 Sackville Street was redeveloped (yes, apartments!) and Ralph Capper Interiors moved premises to 10a Little Peter Street, Castlefield. This is opposite the Boardwalk Venue, where bands such as Oasis, Happy Mondays and Doves began their successful careers. In 1998 Ralph’s son Ben and son-in-law Peter Jones both joined the family business and in 2000 the company celebrated 25 years of success.

Holding back the years...
In 2005 Ralph Capper Interiors and CUBE brought Vitra Design Museum’s “100 Years: 100 Chairs” Exhibition to Manchester with help and sponsorship from many Architects and Designers. This was the exhibition’s first visit to an English speaking country; a great coup for Manchester. At the time of closure, the exhibition was hailed as CUBE’s largest and most successful to date, with an estimated 12-14000 visitors attending within a 10 week period. 2005 also saw the Company’s 30th anniversary which celebrated the event with a great party at Albert’s Shed, Castlefield. In December 2006 Peter and Justine Jones decided to resume their teaching careers and emigrated with their young family to Auckland, New Zealand.

Today: today the business is run by Ben Capper, whose wife Ilona recently joined the company in a marketing and accounts capacity in 2008. Jackie Sloyan and Lisa Grey have both been with the business since 1989 and 1990 respectively. Jackie’s role is Project Coordinator and Lisa specialises as Key Project Support in the office. Samantha Barlow has been an administrator at the company since August 2000. Alongside Ben, sales consultant Lina Olsson is responsible for dealing with projects, enquiries and client service. Nicola Gilmore joined the company in late 2010 as an experienced administrator. Susan Capper and Patt Bett oversee the company accounts on a part time basis. Ralph still acts as a part time consultant to give the business continuity with the benefit of his vast knowledge and experience and on certain days visitors are lucky enough to meet Finn, Ben and Ilona’s chocolate Labrador; the office mascot!

Although times have changed since 1975, the company’s principles remain the same:

• Independent Family Business
• Unbiased advice for our clients
• Personal service
• Full project management: attention to detail
• Quality product, installation and guarantees

In November 2010, Ralph Capper Interiors were presented with the sought-after Mixology North Company of the Year Award at the Palace Hotel, Manchester. Visit our projects page to see some of the fantastic projects we have completed in recent years and continue your tour of our site.