Our Story
1973
Beginnings
Mary Wiggin and Ross Bull make plans to open a furniture shop. They begin making contact with the world’s leading manufacturers of furniture, lighting and accessories.
1974
Argyle Street, Bath
Coexistence opens at 10 Argyle Street in Bath. The mission is simple: to promote great contemporary design in the UK.
1975
Advertisement
One of the very first press adverts by Coexistence.
1976
Argyle Street, Bath
Sketch of the store front by Deidre Dyson
1978
Floral Street, Covent Garden
Growing interest in design and the success of the first store leads to the opening of a London shop on Floral Street in Covent Garden. Mary Wiggin seen here at the front doors of the new showroom.
1978
Press Clipping
Coexistence begins to showcase exhibitions of student work and innovative manufacturers.
1978
Advertisement
Showing how the old and new can coexist together.
1982
Expansion
Coexistence moves from Floral Street to Whitcomb Street, and opens a second showroom on Canonbury Lane in Islington.
1982
Whitcomb Street
Mary at the Whitcomb Street showroom.
1982
Canonbury Lane, Islington
Interior of Canonbury Lane, featuring some classic pieces that we still sell today.
1988
Press Clipping
Milan review published in Design Week where Mary discusses the new fire regulations brought out in the UK and how more simplified designs might return to the commercial market.
1989
Consolidation
Coexistence buys 288 Upper Street in Islington to consolidate the company’s commercial and administrative activities under one roof. A year later, 64 Cross Street, adjacent to the Upper Street premises, is purchased.
1999
Cross Street Showroom Opens
The expansion of the Upper Street–Cross Street showroom makes it possible for Canonbury Lane to be reconfigured as a complementary gallery promoting contemporary British painting and sculpture.
1999
25th anniversary
Coexistence celebrates its 25th anniversary with a series of events. The company’s first book is published, celebrating the renaissance in British design, architecture, engineering, manufacturing and culture over the last 25 years.
1999
Elle Deco Interview
‘Mary shares the secret of her lifestyle’ in an article published by Elle Deco celebrating Coexistence's 25th anniversary.
2001
London Marathon
Team Coexistence runs their first London Marathon raising money for Multiple Sclerosis.
2004
Milan Review
The annual Coexistence Milan review, featuring the Coex team’s 'Pick of the Crop'
2005
New Director
Mary Wiggin and Ross Bull invite Daniel Gay to join the board of directors. Daniel accepts and joins the board as Operations Director.
2007
Advertisement
Knoll, Saarinen Conference Chair featured in Blueprint
2013
Re–Brand
Coexistence partners with design and branding agency Bravo. Charlie. Mike. Hotel on a complete re-brand ahead of the company’s 40th anniversary.
2014
40 X Years
Coexistence celebrates 40 years in the business by kicking off a series of anniversary exhibitions and events.
2018
Changes
Founders Mary Wiggin and Ross Bull take on ambassadorial roles but remain as majority shareholders and board directors. Daniel Gay takes over as managing director.
2022
End of an era
Ross Bull, one of Coexistence’s two founders and long-term Finance Director steps down from the board after 48 years and transfers his shareholding in the company to Mary. Ross continues as a consultant to Coexistence.
2023
New Directors
Mary Wiggin (Founding Director) and Daniel Gay (Managing Director) announce the appointment of two new directors. Carl Cozens joins the board as Operations Director and Rachel Bull as Sales Director.
2024
Coexistence is 50
1 May 2024, marked Coexistence's 50th Anniversary.
