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.
STUNNING BRAND NEW IN THE BOX ViSCOUNT DAVID LINLEY CUT GLASS CRYSTAL CAVIAR SET
By David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this exquisite brand new in the original box with the original packaging materials, Viscount David Linley Cu...
Crystal
SUBLIME ViSCOUNT DAVID LINLEY STERLING SILVER GENTLEMANS SHOOTING COMPENDIUM
By David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite, highly collectable Viscount David Linley Gentleman's Shooting Compendium with Edi...
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Edwardian Period Sterling Silver-Mounted Claret Jug
By John Sherwood & Sons 1
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Period, sterling silver-mounted hobnail cut claret jug having a hinged lid, Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1908, John Sherwood and Sons - makers. Lovely, graceful...
Sterling Silver
$1,045 / set
H 1.58 in Dm 5.4 in
Set of 2 New Old Stock Murano Opaline Glass Shell Bowl by Cenedese, 1960s
By Cenedese
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano opaline bowl set of 2 Design: Gino Cenedese Producer: Cenedese Vetri (marked underneath the vase) Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 196...
Murano Glass
$2,695Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.24 in Dm 7.49 in
Lalique Crystal Caviar Cup, Marine Animal Base, France, 20th Century
Located in Milano, IT
Crystal caviar cup with shaped base in the shape of three marine animals. Inside, satin cup on metal support and lid with fish-shaped grip. Brand of the man...
Crystal
Sterling Silver Coasters
Located in New York, NY
A set of three (3) sterling silver and glass cocktail coasters, circa early-20th century. Coasters are sterling silver with small bead detail around, atop a glass base with starburst...
Sterling Silver
$895
H 5 in W 8.25 in D 8.25 in
Tiffany & Co. "Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection" Art Deco Cut Crystal Bowl
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Art Deco style cut crystal bowl By Tiffany & Co., "Louis Comfort Tiffany Collection" USA, Circa Late 20th Century Measures: 8.25"W x 8.25"D x 5"H. Very good original v...
Crystal
$697 / item
H 3.55 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Caviar Bowl and Spoon in Venetian Glass, Corno Italiano & Lacquered wood Mod 295
By Arcahorn Srl.
Located in Recanati, Macerata
Synonymous with luxury, caviar is a great gastronomic indulgence that requires to be served and tasted in a proper way. Handcrafted from Venetian glass, our caviar bowl is distinguis...
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Caviar bowl, silver plated - crystal glass
By Zanetto
Located in Paris, FR
A hand-hammered silver-plated caviar server with a crystal interior is designed to maintain caviar at the ideal temperature. Its elegant design highlights Italian craftsmanship with ...
Crystal, Silver Plate
$840Sale Price|20% Off
H 8 in W 4.5 in D 2 in
Antique English Sterling Silver & Leather Easy-Grip Safari Flask
By James Dixon & Sons
Located in New York, NY
George V safari flask. Made by James Dixon & Sons in Sheffield in 1927. Clear glass body. Top half encased in leather with cutout tubular windows. Bottom half has detachable sterling...
Sterling Silver
Edwardian Period Sterling Silver Flask with Hinged Lid
By H. Matthews
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Period, sterling silver flask with hinged lid (having a bayonet closure), Birmingham, England, year-hallmarked for 1917, H. Matthews - maker. Measures over 4 3/4 inches hig...
Sterling Silver
$283
H 4.34 in W 3.94 in D 4.73 in
Vintage Hip Flask Leather-Cased Glass with Silver-Tone Mounts, Gentleman’s Trave
Located in Wembley, GB
Vintage Leather-Cased Glass Hip Flask with Silver-Tone Mounts, Gentleman’s Travel Accessory This charming vintage glass hip flask is a timeless gentleman’s accessory, combining practical design with classic elegance. Featuring a clear glass body with polished silver-tone metal mounts and cap, the flask is housed within its original tan leather carrying case, beautifully finished with contrasting stitching and a secure button-fastening strap. Compact and stylish, this flask evokes the sophistication of traditional country pursuits, travel, and refined outdoor living. The combination of glass, leather, and polished metal creates an attractive balance between functionality and decorative appeal, making it equally suitable as a collectible display piece or a usable vintage accessory. The warm patina of the leather case enhances its character and authenticity, while the clean, minimalist silhouette reflects the enduring appeal of classic British and European gentleman’s accessories. Whether displayed in a study, library, bar area, or incorporated into a curated collection of vintage travel and sporting memorabilia, this piece adds a touch of heritage charm and understated luxury. A wonderful gift for collectors of vintage barware, travel accessories, country house décor, hunting memorabilia, equestrian enthusiasts, or those who appreciate finely crafted leather goods and timeless design. Perfect for styling alongside antique books, a leather-bound desk, a sideboard, coffee table, bookcase, or within a traditional gentleman’s study, where it serves as both a decorative conversation piece and a nostalgic reminder of classic travel traditions. Keywords: vintage hip flask, leather flask case, glass flask, gentleman's accessory, travel flask, antique style barware, vintage bar accessory, leather travel accessory, country house décor, hunting collectible...
Art Glass, Glass, Faux Leather, Leather
$1,200
H 3.75 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in
Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Dish Server by Gelb, Paris in Box
By Gelb
Located in Atlanta, GA
A modernist silver plate and crystal caviar serving bowl, dish, or chiller designed by French silversmith Gelb in the 1980s. Sophisticated design with a streamlined geometric shape, ...
Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate
Antique American Sterling Silver & Horn Corkscrew with Carved Ornament
Located in New York, NY
American sterling silver and Horn corkscrew, circa 1900. Curved and mottled Horn with carved leafing branch in scalloped frame. Sterling silver mount wi...
Sterling Silver