Item DetailsMakerSeller InformationShipping ReturnsThe 1stDibs Promise
About the Item
A good quality Liberty and Co Arts and Crafts golden oak bookcase and matching Bureau bookcase with stylised floral cut-outs to the tops and shaped bottom skirts.
Height 48, Width 21 1/2, Depth at feet 9 1/2″. Circa 1900.
Price per itemCreator: Liberty Co. (Maker)Dimensions: Height: 48.01 in (121.92 cm)Width: 21.51 in (54.61 cm)Depth: 9.51 in (24.13 cm)Style: Arts and Crafts (Of the Period)Materials and Techniques: OakPeriod: 1900-1909Date of Manufacture: 1900Condition: GoodSeller Location: London, GBReference Number: Seller: LCo 11 see also BCO 10 and LCo 961stDibs: LU2243343476562Shop All Liberty Co.
Liberty Co.
Long before Liberty became one of Londons most iconic luxury department stores, shoppers of the late 19th century knew it as Liberty Co. purveyors of fine silverware designed in the Art Nouveau style, Arts and Crafts-style furniture and an eclectic assortment of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and other goods from around the world.
British merchant Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded Liberty Co. in 1875. Liberty dreamed of selling an assortment of fine wares he obtained in the Far East from a ship docked in the middle of one of Londons busiest shopping thoroughfares. However, he could only manage to borrow 2,000 from his father-in-law, so he settled for a small shop on Regent Street.
What began as a modest business grew exponentially over the next few years, and, by 1890, Liberty Co. occupied most of Regent Street. Meanwhile, Liberty forged relationships with many British Art Nouveau artists and designers who were keen to work with one of the most prestigious retailers in London.
In 1899, Liberty Co. hosted an exhibition showcasing a collection of silver pieces designed by notable silversmiths like Oliver Barker, Albert Edward Jones and Bernard Cuzner. A line of silverware called Cymric also debuted and was produced in partnership with silversmith W. H. Haseler of Birmingham and Liberty Co.s chief designer, Manx artist Archibald Knox. The innovative Cymric collection featured a blend of Art Nouveau with traditional Celtic style, including such pieces as candlesticks, spoons, bowls, tableware and jewelry.
Liberty Co. also had a furniture workshop in Archway, London, run by Lawrence Turner and which employed carpenters to produce handcrafted, Arts and Crafts-style armchairs, stools, bookcases, cabinets, side tables and other furniture. Most of these high-quality and durable pieces were made of solid wood such as oak, mahogany and walnut. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid.
Liberty died in 1917, and Liberty Co. became Liberty of London after relocating to their iconic location on Great Marlborough Street in 1924. Ironically, the imposing Tudor Revival building is constructed from the timbers of two decommissioned British Navy ships realizing Libertys original ship-store dream.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Liberty Co. serveware, seating and decorative objects.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.