Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
For more than two centuries, the name Howard & Sons Ltd has been synonymous with elegance and exceptional handcrafted quality. Their Victorian furnishings graced grand old hotels like The Savoy in London, British Royal residences and luxury yachts of the day, including American business tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt’s North Star.
Today, stately armchairs, sofas and rich, hand-carved serving tables from Howard & Sons continue to be a gold standard among the most discerning furniture collectors. Queen Elizabeth II is even said to have owned the world's most extensive collection of Howard & Sons chairs.
Howard & Sons Ltd was founded in 1820 on Leman street in London by cabinetmaker and upholsterer John Howard. Although he had three sons — George, Charles and Joseph — it was only George who later joined his father in running the family business. Before their upholstered armchairs and sofas garnered universal acclaim, Howard & Sons was a cabinetry company that collaborated with another well-known cabinetmaker, Gillows of Lancaster and London, on large projects and likely manufactured upholstered furniture for Gillows.
Howard & Sons Ltd showcased their pieces and won awards at several important exhibitions towards the end of the 19th century. They were given medals at the 1878 Paris Exhibition, the 1894 Antwerp Exhibition and the 1900 Paris Exposition. In 1901, they received their first Royal warrant to supply upholstered furniture to King Edward VII.
Howard & Sons Ltd continued production until 1947. During the 1950s, a London decorating firm called Lenygon & Morant began to trade under the Howard name. The company re-emerged in 1967 as Howard Chairs Ltd. Today, the brand is again known again as Howard & Sons and carries on the tradition of creating bespoke furniture from their London-based workshop.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique Howard & Sons Ltd seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other collectibles.
19th Century English Victorian Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Hardwood
1880s English Late Victorian Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Hardwood
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Copper
Early 19th Century British Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood
2010s Italian Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Walnut
1790s English George III Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Steel
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Late 18th Century British Neoclassical Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1900s English Arts and Crafts Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood, Oak
1970s American Campaign Vintage Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Brass
Early 1900s British Arts and Crafts Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Fruitwood, Oak
Mid-18th Century English George III Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Mahogany
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Howard & Sons Ltd Wardrobes and Armoires
Oak
Howard & Sons Ltd wardrobes and armoires for sale on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, all Howard and Sons chairs are stamped. However, the type and location of the stamp varies. You may see a name or number on a caster wheel or foot on some pieces. Others display the stamp on a paper label sewn onto the fabric. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted Howard and Sons chairs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To spot an authentic Howard & Sons chair, first look for a name or number on the inside of the back foot. There may also be a paper label sewn into the hessian or a name stamp on the wheel. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of expertly vetted Howard & Sons chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.