A celebration of British design and craftsmanship

The Collection of Ray Leigh (1928–2025)

Chorley’s is honoured to present the personal collection of Ray Leigh, one of the most significant figures in post-war British design, whose work helped shape the nation’s furniture industry and modern design identity.

“Ray Leigh’s influence on British design is immeasurable - his work bridged the ideals of the Arts & Crafts Movement with the optimism of post-war modernism” and embodies the enduring spirit of Cotswolds craftsmanship.

Chorley’s is honoured to present the personal collection of Ray Leigh MBE RIBA, one of the most significant figures in post-war British design, whose work helped shape the nation’s furniture industry and modern design identity.

A trained architect, Leigh began his career working with Dick Russell on the 1951 Festival of Britain, collaborating with luminaries such as John Piper, James Stirling and Terence Conran. Joining Gordon Russell Ltd later that year, he became Senior Designer and ultimately Managing Director and Chairman, leading the company into international markets and overseeing projects such as the manufacture of the Coventry Cathedral Oak Chairs (Model X118, 1960).

A passionate advocate for British craftsmanship, Leigh served as a founding trustee of the Crafts Council, Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, and President of the Design and Industries Association. Following the sale of Gordon Russell Ltd, he played a key role in establishing the Gordon Russell Museum in 2008 and was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to design and industry.

Chorley’s Modern Art & Design Auction on 25 November 2025 will feature highlights from Leigh’s personal collection, reflecting his deep connection to the Arts & Crafts tradition and contemporary British design.

Selected Highlights

A Gordon Russell oak Stow chest design no.103, c.1926 (shown with a tooled vellum book cover from the Essex House Press)

Estimate £2,000-3,000

Gordon Russell | A pair of yew chests designed by Ray Leigh, Model no. 2486, c.1988

Estimate £400-600

“Ray Leigh’s influence on British design is immeasurable - his work bridged the ideals of the Arts & Crafts Movement

with the optimism of post-war modernism,” said Werner Freundel, Director at Chorley’s.

“His collection embodies the creative spirit of mid-century design and the enduring craftsmanship of the Cotswolds.”

Gordon Russell | Arts & Crafts steel bowl, design no. 174, c.1924 | £300-500

[Essex House Press] C. R. Ashbee, American Sheaves & English Seed Corn, 1901 | Estimate £400-600

Leigh's influence can still be found today, having been a key advocate and instrumental in th foundation of The Gordon Russell Design Museum.

Situated in the picturesque village of Broadway, the museum celebrates the design pioneer Gordon Russell and the company that bore his name. Integral to 20th-century British craft and manufacturing, Gordon Russell championed accessible, innovative, and high-quality design, evolving from Arts and Crafts through to Modernism, World War II and Mid-Century Modern.

Leigh’s library, focusing on British topography, travel and design history, will follow in Chorley’s Fine Books, Maps & Manuscripts Auction in March 2026.