Welcome to EDC
The European Design Centre was the creation of John & Anke Summerhill some 30 years ago, when they transformed DDC (The Dutch Design Centre, 1984) into a wider European offering.
Anke, originally from the Netherlands has over 150 years of furniture making tradition in her family and to this day Arco make some of the finest and most sustainable wooden tables in Europe.
From evolution to revolution
John and Anke Summerhill started importing Dutch furniture in the mid 80’s to the UK originally supplying home and interior shops. As they grew so did the brands they offered until they were from all across Europe.
The history of EDC
The first furniture show
In 1986 at Earls Court Furniture fair Anke was 6-months pregnant on a ladder fixing a light above their stand while John moved the furniture.
This was the first furniture show their unborn son Digby attended. While some new born’s have a rattle, some had a ring of polypropylene seat colour samples to play with.
Minotti at EDC
In the mid 90’s a family run Italian brand called Minotti caught the attention of the Summerhill family. EDC became the UK agent and partner for Minotti.
A brand partnership that has since blossomed.
A monobrand debuts
After a successful partnership John decided to focus his full attention on one brand. By opening the first Minotti monobrand showroom in the world.
Where other partnerships displayed Minotti among other brands. John believed that the exclusive brand deserved a dedicated space to live and breath its Italian heritage story.
The Summerhill family continues
Today Anke is still the creative director of Minotti London. While her son Digby is now head of finance and operations since 2017, when his father was forced to retire due to age related illness.
Digby credits working with his parents, the Minotti family, and Minotti’s sales manager as the best foudation he could receive in the design industry.
A meeting with BROKIS
Digby learned a great deal from working with the Minotti family, and how their dedication, high work ethic, attention to detail and key values made the brand go from success to success.
When he first met Jan and Andre Rabell he recognized some of the same values and work ethic but was unsure how to focus on a lighting brand when his speciality is furniture. But he was certain BROKIS was the right company to work with.