12 February 1986
A remarkable commission
A letter from the Master of the Household confirms the decision to purchase the Cuban mahogany veneer brought to the Palace’s attention by Mr Crispin.
Capital Crispin · Our heritage
Veneer specialistssince 1900.
Our story began in a Shoreditch workshop in 1900. Now in its sixth generation, the Crispin family continues to build on that knowledge of wood through our extensive veneer stock and the practical advice we offer every customer.
Six generations · One enduring interest
A history shaped by wood.
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1900
Our roots in Shoreditch
J. Crispin & Sons was founded by John Crispin on Curtain Road in 1900, in the heart of London’s furniture-making trade. Over five generations, the shop became a home for specialist veneer knowledge.
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1988
Capital Veneer takes shape
Capital Veneer Company was founded in 1988 by Les Crispin, the fourth generation of the family, after he left the family business to focus on larger volumes. Its first premises were on Marshgate Lane in Stratford, before the move to Bow in 1996.
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2002
Two family businesses come together
After 102 years, J. Crispin & Sons left Curtain Road and merged with Capital Veneer in Bow. Lawrence Crispin and Les Crispin saw an opportunity to bring the two businesses together and restore the family name to the company, creating Capital Crispin Veneer.
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2007
A new chapter in Beckton
After over a decade at the premises in Bow, the company was forced to relocate due to the upcoming 2012 London Olympics. It moved to a larger, brand-new warehouse in Beckton, allowing it to expand its stock and build a stronger presence in the wood veneer market.
From the family archive: preparing for the move to Beckton. -
2022
At home in Basildon
Our move to Basildon brings us to our present home. The business has now moved into the sixth generation, building on the success of the previous five. With an ever-growing stock, we continue to help furniture makers, joiners, architects and designers find the right colour, grain and figure for their projects.
1986 & 2009 · From the archive
A place in Buckingham Palace.
Two letters record the story of Cuban mahogany veneer supplied by the Crispin family. Select either letter to view it at a larger size.
4 June 2009
The story, revisited
Correspondence from Royal Collection Enterprises confirms that the veneer was used in doors to the 1844 and 1855 Rooms within Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms.
Bought in 1997 · Still in our stock
Some wood is worthholding on to.
This rare oak burr is part of a collection bought in 1997 that we still hold today. Its intricate figure shows why the search for exceptional wood has always been part of our business.
If your project calls for something unusual, speak to us about the material available in our warehouse.
A shared knowledge of wood
Behind every veneer, a wider story.
Photographs from our suppliers’ archives offer a glimpse into the selection and handling of remarkable wood across the decades.
Circa 1950s
An eye for figure
An archival photograph of highly figured wood, preserved among our family records.
Circa 1980s
Selected by hand
A supplier photograph showing veneer being handled and inspected.
Our experience. Your next project.
Find the wood thatmakes it yours.
Explore our veneer library and order samples to see the colour and figure for yourself. For help with selection, matching or an unusual requirement, talk to our team about your project.