Consider it the ultimate royal seal of approval: When the young Linley founder, David Linley, made a decorative box as a teenager — a project he’d crafted at Bedales School that impressed his teacher — it was proudly passed around as a cigar box at parties by the Queen Mother. Of course, the royal treatment makes a bit more sense when you consider that the Queen was simply grandmother to the future furniture designer Linley, formally David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones, second earl of Snowdon, son of Princess Margaret and photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones.
Born in London, Linley was creative from an early age — a characteristic eagerly encouraged at home with his parents and at Kensington Palace with the extended family. After completing his studies in carpentry and design at Parnham House in 1982, Linley set up his first studio. Within three years he had moved to King’s Road in Chelsea and, with his friend painter and designer Matthew Rice, officially cofounded Linley, a source for luxury furniture and accessories and bespoke carpentry and millwork.
The brand was a quick success. When Linley presented its first line at Christie’s in 1985 — a collection of furniture and more called “Venetian,” which was inspired by the Italian city’s grandiose Gothic architecture — the entire lot sold out on the day of its presentation. Besides Linley the brand being a commercial success, Linley the founder was somewhat of a marvel: At the time, the designer was the first of the royal family to undertake any sort of vocational work, let alone establish their own brand.
David Linley’s furniture has become known over the years for its fine craftsmanship, detailed marquetry and inlay and use of rare and exquisite woods. His tables, seating, other furnishings and decorative objects owe consistently to traditional methods and conventions as often as they do clean modernity. The designer has long looked to Chippendale furniture as well as other styles that gained prominence during the 18th century as much as he has toward the future.
Now, in addition to its furniture, accessories and custom millwork, Linley operates an interior design business, outfitting homes (and a few cars and yachts) in the brand’s singularly chic style. And while the company’s output is marked by style, craftsmanship still comes first: “I’m a maker, not a designer,” the earl once proclaimed.
Find a collection of David Linley furniture on 1stDibs.
Large Viscount David Linley Burr Walnut Satinwood & Sycamore Overmantle Mirror
By LINLEY London, David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer this absolutely exquisite original stamped Viscount David Linley overmantel wall mirror in Sycamore, burr walnut and satinwood The mirror truly is impres...
Satinwood, Sycamore, Walnut
SiGNED VISCOUNT DAVID LINLEY ARCHITECTURAL PERSPECTIVE KEY SAFE WALL CABINET
By David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly collectable Viscount David Linley Architectural Perspective signed and stamped key...
Wood
$1,434Sale Price|30% Off
H 43.31 in W 35.44 in D 3.55 in
Antique Large Florentine Carved Padauk Wall Mirror Overmantle
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique large quality Florentine carved hardwood (padauk) wall or overmantle mirror C1900. Could be hung in portrait or landscape. An impressive find, that would look amazing in t...
Padouk
Neoclassical Style Mirror or Picture Frame
Located in Sheffield, MA
A large rectangular 38" x 48" American Classical style carved giltwood frame for mirror or painting, with boldly carved fluting, and raised square and roundel centre. May be hung hor...
Wood
$762Sale Price|30% Off
H 35.04 in W 31.11 in D 3.15 in
Antique Large Gilt Overmantle Wall Mirror, 19th Century
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique large quality 19th century gilt overmantle or wall mirror. A great look. A charming mirror, that is full of age and character. Lovely frame with some losses touching up, ref...
Giltwood
Beautifully Worn Late Edo Period Wabi Sabi "Safe"
Located in London, GB
A Beautifully Worn Late Edo Period Wabi Sabi "Safe"/Storage box. Originally used to store money & valuables. Heavily patinated cedar & chestnut. Perf...
Chestnut, Cedar
Iron strong box or safe. 19th century
Located in Madrid, ES
Safe box. Iron. XIX century. Rectangular safe made of iron, with a rectangular base, two handles on the sides and classicist-influenced molding decorations on the fronts and top. It...
Other, Iron
Agresti Privato Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
"Agresti 'Privato' safe for jewelry, available in three finishing options. See information below for details of finishing variations. Copper: Jewelry case in hammered copper finish s...
Steel
Jewelry Safe Brushed Gold Brass
Located in Paris, FR
Jewelry safe vintage golded distinguishes itself following a new hyperluxury trend. Special compartments for jewelry and precious liquors, watch winde...
Gold Plate, Brass
French Cast Iron Safe Strong Box by Bauche
By Bauche
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Cast Iron French Safe or Strong Box From our Boxes collection, we are pleased to offer this French Safe Cast Iron Strong Box by Bauche. The Safe of rectangular form made from cast iron with extensive riveting and twin loop handles. The safe has two escutcheon covers to the front, the left is the genuine lock which turns to reveal the keyhole and the right is a dummy for symmetry. The top of the box is fitted with a plaque that reads in French Incombustible Systeme Bauche Brevete S.G.D.G usine A Gueux Marne (Incombustible System Bauche Patented S.G.D.G factory A Gueux Marne). The interior of the safe has been lined in a gunmetal grey cushioned velvet to give cushioning to your most treasured objects. Has Key and fully working lock. The French Safe dates to the second half of the 19th century during the reign of Napoleon III circa 1865. Henry Bauche Bauche Safes...
Iron
19th Century French Iron Safe
Located in High Point, NC
Originally used as a safe or strong-box, this antique iron trunk remains a trustworthy vault for treasured possessions. Made in 19th century France,...
Iron
$45,000 / item
H 53.15 in W 20.48 in D 15.75 in
Gioia Intreccio Contemporary Armored Jewelry Armoire Safe
By Agresti
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary armored jewelry armoire safe covered in white and beige threaded leather. Inside safe in shiny white. 24-karat gold-plated brass a...
Birdseye Maple
$3,353Sale Price|30% Off
H 68.12 in W 64.97 in D 3.94 in
Antique c.1880 Aesthetic Movement Burr Walnut & Ebonised Overmantle Wall Mirror
Located in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire
Antique c.1880 Aesthetic Movement Burr Walnut & Ebonised Overmantle Wall Mirror – Very Large, Fine Quality Full of authentic charm and character, this beautiful Aesthetic mirror...
Wood
$3,600
H 23.25 in W 16.25 in D 14 in
19th Century French Polished Cast Iron Safe with Key and Two-Letter Combination
Located in Dallas, TX
Keep your jewelry and important documents locked up in this elegant, antique safe from the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. Crafted circa 1880, and built in cast iron, this heavy ...
Brass, Iron
Sold
H 15.75 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
EXQUISITE DAVID LINLEY ALFRED DUNHILL STAMPED WASTEPAPER BiN BURR WALNUT SATIN
By Alfred Dunhill, David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely stunning, hand made in England Viscount David Linley, made for Alfred Dunhill wastepaper bin...
Oak, Satinwood, Walnut
Walnut and Silver Votive Holders by David Linley (sold individually)
By David Linley
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Individual Walnut and silvered metal Lord David Linley designed votive holders. circa 2000
Metal
David Linley Walnut Fluted Column Candlesticks, Pair
By David Linley
Located in Jensen Beach, FL
Handcrafted from fine walnut, these candlesticks evoke times past while their classical styling transcends trends.
Brass
Sold
H 13.78 in W 11.62 in D 0.48 in
Suite of Three Racing Car Viscount David Linley Picture Frames Checker Flag 3
By David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this custom made to order suite of three Viscount David Linley walnut picture frames with racing car checker flags to the top A very rare and hi...
Walnut
