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.
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...
Oak
Bruce Talbert Gillows, Aesthetic Movement rosewood armchair with pink upholstery
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows. An Aesthetic Movement Rosewood armchair with a pink button back upholstered back and seat.
Rosewood
$3,789
H 35 in W 24 in D 23.5 in
Rare Antique Gothic Revival Oak Armchair Chair w Female Sculptures in Armrests
Located in Lisse, NL
Unique and impressive, Gothic style chair from the late 1800s. This rare and solid oak Gothic Revival church chair has a beautiful patination and it is as stabile as the day it was...
Leather, Oak
$2,624 / set
H 36.23 in W 32.09 in D 29.14 in
Lovely Pair of Victorian Boudoir Armchairs with Salmon Pink Velour Upholstery
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely pair of his and hers Boudoir armchairs in pink velour upholstery A good looking decorative pair of period...
Upholstery, Hardwood
English Victorian Gothic Revival Oak Armchair with Velvet Upholstery
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian Gothic Revival oak high back arm chair with rust velvet upholstered seat and back panel.
Oak, Velvet
Antique 19th C Gothic Revival Carved Armchair
Located in Sheffield, MA
Antique 19th C Gothic Revival Carved Armchair. Mahogany tone frame with Neo Gothic design. Hand Carved and Superb Condition Antique Gothic Reviva...
Wood
Moooi Hortensia Armchair in Petal Pink Upholstery
By Moooi, Andrés Reisinger
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Hortensia armchair, by Andrés Reisinger & Júlia Esqué, innovatively replicates the beauty of nature. This blooming beauty is inspired by the bas...
Upholstery
$9,850Sale Price|46% Off
H 50.75 in W 28 in D 30 in
French 19th Century Napoleon III Egyptian Revival Bronze Mounted Throne Armchair
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and impressive French 19th century Napoleon III Egyptian revival mahogany and bronze-mounted throne armchair with bronze figures of winged sphinxes, circa 1870-1880. Measu...
Bronze
Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese armchair Godwin style
By Henry William Batley
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Anglo-Japanese upholstered ebonised armchair in the manner of E. W. Godwin but attributed to H. W. Batley. The armchair is in good condition with its ...
Upholstery
$2,220
H 50.79 in W 24.81 in D 21.66 in
LOVELY GOTHIC REVIVAL HAND MADE IN ENGLAND OAK THRONE ARMCHAIR WiTH STEEPLE BACK
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Gothic Revival circa 1900 English oak Throne armchair with steeple back Please note...
Oak
Indian Rosewood Armchair of the German New Objectivity Movement
By Emil Fahrenkamp
Located in Petershagen, DE
This sculptural armchair, reminiscent of Emil Fahrenkamp's refined yet quietly expressive modernism, stands at the intersection of functionalism and subtle decorative intent. Like Fa...
Upholstery, Leather
$3,750
H 35.5 in W 18.5 in D 16 in
English 1880s Aesthetic Movement Carved Oak Chair with Zebra Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English Aesthetic Movement accent chair from the 1880s is a stunning example of craftsmanship and decorative detail. Made of bleached oak, this chair highlights intricate carvin...
Zebra Hide, Oak
$2,513 / item
H 38.98 in W 20.48 in D 23.63 in
1980s Office Technical Black Upholstery Chromed Steel Armchairs Eight Available
Located in IT
Ergonomic cantilever, eight chairs available. Black technical upholstery, chromed steel structure and armrests. Very comfortable and welcoming with their large and deep seats and hi...
Steel
Mid 19th century Gillows Open Armchair.
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Batley, GB
A well drawn mid 19th century armchair by Gillows of Lancaster of large country house proportions. Raised on finely worked walnut legs and arm supports with parcel gilt detailing. Al...
Walnut