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Bruce James Talbert Armchairs

Scottish, 1838-1881

Bruce James Talbert was one of the most noteworthy furniture designers of the 19th century. The Scottish architect, draftsman and designer created stunning pieces of Gothic furniture and his landmark book, Gothic Forms Applied To Furniture, Metalwork and Decoration For Domestic Purposes, was influential on the Gothic Revival movement both in Europe and North America.

Born in 1838, Talbert started his career as an apprentice to a woodcarver in Dundee, Scotland. When he was 18 years old, he was briefly employed by the architect Charles Edward. He subsequently had several successful partnerships with design firms and manufacturers.

In 1862, Talbert moved to Manchester, England, where he was hired to design furniture for Doveston, Bird & Hull. Later that year, British metalworker Francis Skidmore hired him to his company, Art Manufacturers. During his time with the company, Talbert worked on Sir George Gilbert Scott’s Hereford Screen, a major Gothic Revival iron design, and the Albert Memorial. In 1866, Holland & Sons furniture manufacturer in London hired Talbert. He won the silver medal at the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris and, in 1868, he became the lead designer for Gillows of Lancaster and London. There, Talbert expanded his line of work, exploring different media and producing beautiful tiles, stained glass, textiles and metalwork.

Talbert influenced the Gothic Revival style with his detailed furniture designs, recognizable for their gold and wood mosaic inlays. His many publications on woodworking and cabinetmaking further guided the American industry, including the work of furniture designers Herter Brothers, Kimbel and Cabus, Frank Furness and Daniel Pabst.

On 1stDibs, find Bruce James Talbert case pieces and storage cabinets, seating, tables and more.

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Creator: Bruce James Talbert
Bruce Talbert, Gillows, Two Rare Gothic Revival Oak Armchair in Blue Upholstery.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Gillows of Lancaster. Two rare Gothic Revival armchairs. *The two with dark and light blue upholstery shown here are available, the one with brown upholstery is now s...
Category

1860s English Gothic Revival Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs

Materials

Oak

Bruce Talbert Gillows, Aesthetic Movement rosewood armchair with pink upholstery
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood armchair with a pink button back upholstered back and seat.
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1870s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs

Materials

Rosewood

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Bruce James Talbert armchairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Bruce James Talbert armchairs are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Bruce James Talbert armchairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider armchairs by Gillows of Lancaster & London, Morris & Co., and Edward William Godwin. Prices for Bruce James Talbert armchairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,584 and can go as high as $8,927, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $6,255.

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