Maurice Burke & Arkana Overview

Maurice Burke and his collaboration with Arkana helped shape the look of modern interiors, creating pieces that balanced sculptural beauty with everyday practicality. His designs including the the iconic tulip-style tables and chairs were influenced by the clean, futuristic lines of the space age, yet carried a warmth and elegance that made them timeless.

Burke’s work with Arkana produced some of the most recognisable mid-century designs in Britain, often seen as the UK’s answer to Eero Saarinen’s creations. Unlike mass-produced furniture of the time, these pieces were built with exceptional craftsmanship, using high-quality materials such as fibreglass, aluminium, and rich wood veneers. Today, they stand as design classics, blending effortlessly into both vintage and contemporary spaces.

Did You Know?
Maurice Burke’s Arkana Tulip Dining Chair was designed to rotate on its pedestal base, offering a unique combination of comfort and practicality. This was a rarity for mid-century dining seating.

Why Maurice Burke & Arkana Pieces Are So Collectible

• Design Icon Status – Burke’s furniture captures the optimism and innovation of the mid-century era.

• Quality & Craftsmanship – Built to last, many examples have survived in remarkable condition.

• Rarity – Original Arkana productions are becoming increasingly scarce, driving up market demand.

• Global Appeal – Collectors and interior designers across Europe, North America, and Asia actively seek these pieces.

Auction results in recent years have shown strong prices for original Maurice Burke designs, particularly rare colourways, complete dining sets, and well-preserved examples.

Some Arkana tables were made with rare faux marble laminate tops, which are highly sought after by collectors today due to their distinctive, almost futuristic look.

Why Sell With Us?

• Specialist Mid-Century Focus – We understand the history, market value, and unique selling points of Burke’s work.

• Tailored Marketing – Your piece will be promoted to our database of collectors and design dealers, as well as through global auction platforms.

• Professional Presentation – High-quality photography, detailed cataloguing, and historical context to showcase your item at its best.

• International Buyer Base – Maximising your exposure and sale price.

How to Consign Your Maurice Burke & Arkana Furniture

1. Request a Free Valuation – Send us clear images and dimensions of your item.

2. Agree to Consign – We’ll provide a clear estimate and terms for the sale.

3. Expert Preparation – We handle photography, cataloguing, and marketing.

4. Auction Day – We work to achieve the highest price possible from competitive bidding.

5. Swift Payment – Receive your proceeds promptly after the sale.

Request a Free Valuation

Do you own a piece by Maurice Burke? We can help you understand its current market value.

For a free, confidential auction valuation of your collection, to enquire about any of our lots or to enter your own collection into one of our specialist sales, get in touch: james.spiridion@wilson55.com or fill in our online valuation form below. 

Meet the Expert

James Spiridion

Auctioneer and valuer specialising in Modern Design. James has recently returned to the North West after spending the last few years as a valuer in Scotland, during that time James also featured on Paul Martin's Auction Showdown for Channel 5 as a 'Rival Auctioneer'.

Email: james.spiridion@wilson55.com