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 for Gillows and Co. Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. An Aesthetic Movement scissor style side chair with ebonized dot details and chip carved details to the fra...
Oak
Empire Style Mahogany and Gilt Bronze Side Chair
Located in London, GB
Empire style mahogany and gilt bronze side chair French, late 19th century Measures: Height 94cm, width 52cm, depth 52cm Crafted from mahogany, this unusual side chair...
Ormolu
$1,950 / set
H 36 in W 18 in D 19 in
Pair of Antique English Aesthetic Movement Side Chairs with Upholstered Seats
Located in INTERLAKEN, NY
From the English Aesthetic Movement, a pair of finely-crafted side chairs in mahogany with ebonized line inlays. Featuring an exquisite choice of woods with concave high back with th...
Ebony, Mahogany
Louis XVI Style Side Chair
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This elegant Louis XVI style side chair beautifully reflects the refinement and neoclassical influence of 18th-century French design. The chair features a finely carved mahogany fram...
Upholstery, Wood
$3,702
H 31.5 in W 20.48 in D 17.13 in
Fine circa 1780 Georgian Shell Back Hall Chair Gillows of Lancaster Attributed
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely Georgian circa 1780 Cuban mahogany hall chair attributed to Gillows of Lancaster A very fine Georgian chair, clearly made by Gillows however as its not stamped we have classed it as attributed to. The piece has all the normal master craftsman details, the recessed back handle, the very fine carved back rest, this piece just screams understated English fine...
Hardwood
$1,295 / set
H 33 in W 17.5 in D 19 in
Pair Tell City Chair Co. Duncan Phyfe Mahogany and Vinyl Upholstered Side Chairs
By Tell City Chair Co.
Located in Germantown, MD
A Pair of Tell City Chair Co. Duncan Phyfe Style Mahogany and Raised Vinyl Upholstered Side Chairs. Recently refinished. Seat and back in raised Vi...
Plastic, Mahogany
$1,200
H 34 in W 16 in D 16 in
Strikingly Decorative Victorian Aesthetic Movement Gilt & Ebonized Chair
Located in Hopewell, NJ
A strikingly decorative Victorian side chair having detailed carved ebonized wood and gilded frame offset with fancy chartreuse damask new upholstery.
Wood
Pair Neoclassical Style Side Chairs
Located in New York, NY
Pair neoclassical style side chairs. The chairs have black lacquered wood frames, a decorative gold pattern with a round bronze insert to ...
Bronze
Aesthetic Bamboo Gilt Iron Side Chair II
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage aesthetic style gilt metal bamboo side chair.
Metal
$4,038
H 32.29 in Dm 17.72 in
Very Rare Gillows of Lancaster Regency Hardwood Harpist Height Adjustable Chair
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this stunning and very rare original Gillows of Lancaster Rosewood height-adjustable Harpist musician stool A very good looking ...
Wood, Beech
Aesthetic Movement Thebes Corner Chair by Liberty & Co
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Petworth, GB
Aesthetic Movement rare ‘Thebes’ walnut corner chair Red velvet seat By Liberty & Co Circa 1885.
Walnut
Antique English Aesthetic Movement Caned Side Chair C.1880
Located in London, GB
Antique English Aesthetic Movement Caned Side Chair C.1880 In very good condition commensurate of age. Please message for a shipping quote
Satinwood
Pair Aesthetic period Oak Tiled back Hall chairs
Located in Dereham, GB
Pair Aesthetic period Oak Tiled back Hall chairs Circa 1880s Oak with Ebonised detail, Arch tops, with carved leaf decoration, Inset tile by: Minton China works : Designed by Moyr Sm...
Oak
Sold
H 37 in W 18 in D 18 in
Bruce Talbert for Gillows & Co., a Rare Gothic Revival Walnut Side or Desk Chair
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert for Gillows and Co. A rare Gothic Revival dining, desk or side chair. The design for this chair can be seen in Talberts book 'Gothic Forms Applied to Furniture, Metal W...
Leather, Walnut
Sold
H 34.5 in W 19 in D 20 in
Bruce Talbert for Gillows A Pair of Aesthetic Movement Walnut Dining Chairs
By Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A good pair of Aesthetic movement walnut dining chairs designed by Bruce Talbert and probably made by Gillows of Lancaster. This pair has a nice contrast with ebonized spindles to th...
Walnut