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.
B Talbert for Gillows Aesthetic Movement Davenport with Central Carved Rosette
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce J Talbert for Gillows of Lancaster. An Aesthetic Movement Davenport with a brass gallery to the back and an inkwell and pen compartment below, a...
Mahogany
$4,400
H 30.5 in W 42.25 in D 28 in
Aesthetic Movement Merklen Brothers Carved Walnut Library Table Desk NY 1890
By Merklen Brothers
Located in Portland, OR
A fabulous antique American Aesthetic Movement carved walnut library table or desk, by Merklen Brothers, New York, circa 1890. Merklen Brothers of New York Gilded Age furniture...
Brass
$1,954Sale Price|40% Off
H 33.86 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in
19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Davenport Writing Desk made in England
Located in Sofia, BG
Davenport desk in walnut and burlwood veneer, inlaid in filleted frames, opening with two flaps, one of which is stepped, the first revealing an inkwell and letter compartment, The s...
Walnut
$8,000
H 34.5 in W 21.25 in D 22 in
English Burl Walnut Leather Top Davenport with Acanthus Cabriole Legs Circa 1840
Located in Charleston, SC
English burl walnut Davenport desk with carved floral fret work, hinged lid revealing fitted interior with original ink wells, leather hinged writing surface with four fitted interio...
Brass
$12,000 / set
H 54.5 in W 32.5 in D 23.5 in
R.J. Horner & Co. Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Desk, Circa 1890
By R.J. Horner & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This writing desk features two doors and a writing surface that flips up to reveal additional small compartments. The lower part of the cabinet has 2 drawers on the right side and a ...
Leather, Birdseye Maple, Maple
$3,427Sale Price|20% Off
H 45.08 in W 23.82 in D 23.82 in
Antique Aesthetic Period Davenport, English, Walnut, Writing Desk, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique Aesthetic Period Davenport. An English, walnut and bird's eye maple writing desk, dating to the Victorian era, circa 1880. A delightful example, with exquisite cr...
Birdseye Maple, Walnut
$5,400
H 37 in W 26 in D 21 in
19th Century Davenport Heavily Carved Oak Desk w/ Rope Twist Supports 4 Drawers
By R.J. Horner & Co.
Located in Rockaway, NJ
19th Century Davenport heavily carved oak desk w/ rope Twist supports 4 Drawers. Lift top storage compartment. Perfect compact petit 'laptop desk" from th...
Oak
Davenport Desk, Germany, 1870
Located in Belmont, MA
Introducing a delightful German Davenport desk dating back to 1870. This small and narrow desk showcases a distinctive design with an inclined top table and a convenient box with a lid. Its unique shape corresponds to the renowned typology known as the Davenport desk, named after Captain Davenport...
Walnut
Burr Walnut Davenport
Located in Cheshire, GB
19th century Davenport the top with hinged lid and brass gallery opening to Revel a fitted interior. Above inset green tooled leather writing surface. The base section fitted with fo...
Walnut
Antique Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk
Located in Benington, Herts
This attractive mahogany Edwardian Davenport / writing desk, circa 1900s has been constructed from quality solid mahogany having a raised back above a fall front moulded edge writing slope with a raised and fielded panelled cupboard door standing on bracket feet. The Davenport's top section has a brass hinged mahogany lift up lid to reveal an original lead lined storage...
Mahogany
Elegant "Davenport" Desk in Mahogany
Located in Manzano, IT
Refined Davenport model lectern desk, made of mahogany wood with a polished finish. A piece of furniture that combines the charm of Victorian period style with the functionality of a...
Mahogany
$1,161
H 41.74 in W 20.67 in D 18.9 in
VICTORIAN LADIES WRITING DAVENPORT DESK WITH INLAY & LEATHER WRITiNG SURFACE
Located in Pulborough, GB
Antiques of London This is a fine Victorian rosewood Davenport desk dating from the mid to late 19th century, a compact and elegant writing desk designed for both practicality an...
Hardwood
$20,220
H 33.5 in W 21 in D 22 in
Georgian Period Mahogany Davenport Desk with Green Leather Writing Surface
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in London, GB
A fine late Georgian Davenport in the manner of Gillow Constructed in mahogany, rising from caster shod turned feet, the base of square form, having reeded columns to the angles, ...
Brass