The Hazebroek family emigrated to Australia in 1952 on the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt. They brought their furniture-making equipment with them in the ship’s hold and used it to establish a furniture factory in Perth.
The patriarch of the family, Pieter Hazebroek, had been a master carpenter and furniture maker in the Netherlands. He had trained his sons, Johannes and Hendrik, in the craft, and they all decided to emigrate to Australia for better economic opportunities.
Upon arrival in Perth, they set up a workshop in the backyard of their rented house and started producing furniture. They quickly gained a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. In 1955, they were able to purchase a larger property in Osborne Park, a suburb of Perth, and expand their operations.
In 1983 they established the West Australian Fitting and Furniture Factory and this company grew to become a major player in the Australian furniture industry, with a focus on producing custom-made furniture for commercial and residential clients. The Hazebroek family’s commitment to quality and innovation earned them numerous awards and accolades, and they were even commissioned to produce furniture for the Australian pavilion at Expo ’70 in Osaka, Japan.
The company went into liquidation in 2011. The closure was attributed to a combination of factors, including the global financial crisis, competition from cheaper imports, and changes in consumer preferences.
Despite the closure of the original company, some of the Hazebroek family members have continued to operate in the furniture industry in Perth. For example, Johannes Hazebroek’s son, Mark, and his business partner Andrew Davison established a new business called “Hazebroek and Davison” in 2012, which specializes in bespoke furniture and custom cabinetry. The business has been successful and has won several awards for their craftsmanship and design.
Hazebroek and Davison has won multiple awards for their craftsmanship and design, including the Best Bespoke Piece award at the 2019 WA Furniture Maker Awards. They also collaborate with architects, designers, and homeowners to create unique and functional furniture solutions for residential and commercial spaces.
This article is researched with the assistance of AI. The original source information is no longer available. Information needs to be verified. Any corrections and updates are welcome.
