With a history spanning over a century, Hille has helped shape how we sit, study, work, and connect in shared spaces across the UK and beyond. From groundbreaking materials to modern classics still found in schools and public spaces today, Hille’s influence is hard to miss — and for good reason.
Founded in London’s East End in 1906 by Salamon Hille, the company began by restoring and recreating elegant 18th-century furniture. Quality craftsmanship, not mass production, was at the heart of the business from the very beginning — and it’s a value that still defines Hille today. By the 1930s, the company had built an international reputation, thanks to the leadership of Salamon’s daughter, Ray Hille, who steered the company through post-war challenges and into a bold new era of design.
That era arrived with Robin Day — one of the UK’s most influential furniture designers — whose partnership with Hille changed everything. From the Stak chair in 1950 to the legendary Polypropylene (Polyside) chair launched in 1963, Day’s designs married form and function in a way that revolutionised furniture for public spaces. His Series E range, still a staple in schools, and the Supporto office chair, which remains in production today, are testaments to his vision and Hille’s commitment to durability and innovation.
Hille has never stopped evolving. While they continue to manufacture Day’s classics, they’ve also embraced contemporary needs. The SE ergonomic chair, developed in collaboration with leading designers and academics, is just one example of their ongoing dedication to comfort, posture, and learning environments. Other recent successes include the versatile Pepperpot range and developments in public seating like the Toro and Woodro systems — still in use across the London transport network.
That’s why we’re proud to offer Hille’s full range of seating and tables. Whether you’re furnishing a classroom, a canteen, a waiting area or a collaborative workspace, Hille delivers quality, history and design integrity in every piece.
Explore the Hille Range with Muswell Direct