After working initially in London, Parker moved to High Wycombe – a historic centre of the furniture trade in England – in 1898.
Part of the business was to make furniture for ocean liners, including the Palladian Lounge of Cunard's RMS Aquitania.
Parker also made furniture for the Viceroy's House in New Delhi, and a carved throne for Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie.
Willi Knoll was born in Germany and served as a fighter pilot in the First World War.
They also provided furniture for the BBC's Broadcasting House in Portland Place, and Cunard's RMS Queen Mary.
Increasing demand led to the construction of a new factory in High Wycombe to a design commissioned from Wallis, Gilbert & Partners in 1935; it was destroyed in a fire in 1970.