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 attri, A Fine Aesthetic Movement Oak & Glazed Cabinet
By Gillows of Lancaster & London, Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert attributed to Gillows. A rare Aesthetic Movement oak cabinet with parcel-gilt carving to the demilune doors depicting vine grapes and a butterfly to the right, and the...
Oak
19th C. Bamboo Vitrine Cabinet Aesthetic Movement
Located in Atlanta, GA
Elegant bamboo vitrine cabinet, English, 19th century Aesthetic Movement. It appears that this entire cabinet was painted the same color as the interior...
Bamboo, Rattan, Glass, Wood
$1,850
H 43.75 in W 21 in D 14.5 in
Chinoiserie Lacquered Bamboo Cabinet French Aesthetic Movement 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinoiserie Lacquered Bamboo Cabinet, France, circa late 19th Century. Beautiful hand painted aesthetic movement decoration. It is a versatile size and can be used as an entry or con...
Metal
$4,065
H 53.55 in W 52.37 in D 17.52 in
Fine Vintage Waring & Gillows Ltd Fully Stamped Flamed Hardwood Drinks Cabinet
By Waring & Gillow
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very well made flamed mahogany Waring & Gillow drinks cabinet with original stamps to the inside and top of the door A very well made and g...
Hardwood
$3,615Sale Price|47% Off
H 65 in W 47 in D 15 in
Aesthetic Movement Mirrored Cabinet Attributed to Henry William Batley
By Henry William Batley
Located in Savannah, GA
In an unusual pentagon shape, this fine Victorian example of the Aesthetic Movement is constructed of burled walnut and ebonized wood. Features include a raised beveled mirrored ba...
Wood, Walnut
Aesthetic Movement bamboo and Lacquer Cabinet
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
With a bamboo pediment with an inset lacquer panel, lacquered top, raffia sides, a bamboo framed glass door with 3 shelves, resting on bamboo legs.
Bamboo, Raffia, Lacquer, Paint
$4,961
H 50 in W 25 in D 15 in
Aesthetic Movement ebonised hanging corner cabinet by Bruce Talbert for Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Fine quality English Aesthetic Movement ebonised and gilt hanging corner cabinet with painted floral decoration. The cabinet was designed by Bruce J Talbert and is attributed to Gil...
Mahogany
French Aesthetic Movement Limed Oak Cabinet, 1940s
Located in New York, NY
A French Aesthetic Movement cabinet in neoclassical style, made in limed oak and inset with sixteen painted panels depicting classical figures and mythological scenes, each framed by...
Oak
Antique Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Cabinet with Etched Glass Door
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very fine Aesthetic movement Bamboo cabinet with bottom consisting of four shelves behind an etched glass door. The top has japanned areas and other compartments.
Bamboo
$760Sale Price|20% Off
H 33 in W 28.5 in D 11 in
Antique Kimble & Cabus attr Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Wall Cabinet c1870
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Kimble & Cabus attr. Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Wall Cabinet Unsigned C1870 Measures c- 33" x 28 1/2" x 11" A fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, this ebonized wall ca...
Wood
$226,861 / set
H 36.42 in W 49.02 in D 16.34 in
Pair of English Louis XIV Style Breakfront Side Cabinets Attributed to Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Dublin, IE
A pair of Louis XIV style gilt-bronze mounted calamander breakfront side cabinets, the Algerian brèche sanguine marble tops above a cupboard door incorporating Japanese lacquer panels, Edo period 17th century, opening to reveal a single adjustable shelf, on later spiral fluted tapering feet. Circa 1830 English Footnote: These opulent English cabinets, conceived in the Louis XIV style, employ an array of exotic materials which when coupled with the finely chased gilt-bronze mounts point to a commission of some importance. The vivid brèche sanguine marble tops were mined in Algeria - a source of exceptional marbles championed by British diplomat and naturalist Sir Lambert Playfair (1828 –1899) following a visit in 1880 – and the highly prized Japanese lacquer panels would have originally formed part of an Edo period chest...
Marble, Ormolu
Aesthetic Movement Victorian Music Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, TX
Victorian ebonized music cabinet, Late 1890s Victorian era ebonized music cabinet. Incised design in front and sides. 2 doors reveal additional...
Wood
$3,000
H 37.75 in W 22 in D 16 in
English Aesthetic Movement Bamboo Cabinet, 1880, Japonesque Top, Green Curtain
Located in Darien, CT
A beautifully crafted example of English Aesthetic Movement design, this circa 1880 bamboo cabinet reflects the period’s fascination with natural materials and Japanese influence. M...
Brass
Sold
H 40.5 in W 26 in D 18 in
A Gothic Revival Carved Oak Glazed Music Cabinet, designed by B Talbert
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert (1838-1881), a Gothic Revival oak and glazed music cabinet, carved florets with upper section and drop down door and large cupboard below , probably made by Gillow and Co...
Oak
Gothic Revival Oak Cabinet by B Talbert
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, probably made by Gillows of Lancaster. A Gothic revival oak cabinet with carved florets to the front and the sides a down upper door and a lower glazed door. The lower...
Oak