1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
Although mobile furniture for military campaigns dates back to the Romans, campaign-style furniture comes from the era of the 18th and 19th centuries, defined by the pieces used by the British Army during its global conquests. The mahogany and teak structures were part of a purposeful demonstration of power in these campaigns, with the colonizing military officers imposing their culture and view of what they considered “civilized” on a given land and its peoples. Certain designers and manufacturers, including Thomas Butler, Ross & Co. of Dublin and Morgan & Sanders, contributed to the rapid production of this furniture as the British Empire expanded through Africa, Asia and Australia. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of vintage campaign furniture from some of the world’s top dealers.