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.
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
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
$4,064 / set
H 5.91 in W 11.82 in D 15.95 in
Edwardian Sterling Silver & Glass Liqueur Set, William Hutton, 1904
By William Hutton & Sons
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1904 by William Hutton, this delightful antique Edwardian sterling silver and glass liqueur set comprises a decanter and six matching glasses. The glass de...
Sterling Silver
$286
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
$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
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
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
Sold|$6,278
H 1.19 in W 18.12 in D 4.73 in
Edwardian Sterling Silver Bar Tray, Heath & Middleton, London, 1904
By Heath & Middleton
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1904 by Heath & Middleton, this sleek antique Edwardian sterling silver bar tray has a long, narrow rectangular form. The tray features a plain body with a sh...
Sterling Silver
Large English Wine Compendium or Cellarette of Patinated Oak
Located in Austin, TX
A fine large English cellaret or wine cooler compendium of patinated oak from the mid-19th century, featuring a classical sarcophagus with a hinged lid and a fitted interior with roo...
Metal, Brass
$4,995
H 0.5 in W 10.75 in D 19 in
Six Sterling Silver Gorham Cocktail Cups and a Sterling Silver Tray
By Gorham
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Six Sterling Silver Gorham Cocktail Cups and A Sterling Silver Tray Coctail cups with the mark of Gorham MFG. CO, Providence, 1927-28. The tray ma...
Silver
Important Sterling Silver & Guilloche Enamel Cocktail Shaker by David Andersen
By David Andersen
Located in Bath, GB
Not a cocktail shaker, a work of art by master Norwegian goldsmith's, David Andersen; certainly a rare and important piece of holloware for the David Andersen devotee or advanced barware collector. We have never seen a cocktail shaker by this artist or any cocktail shaker covered in guilloche enamel; it could possibly have been commissioned piece dating to the 1950's. The shaker is made from solid sterling silver and is fully marked on the underside and signed by David Andersen, Norway. The elegant modernist shape is engine turned and in turn showcased by the glossy golden yellow enamel, all without damage. The lid once removed acts as a cup. Museum quality in superb condition measuring approximately 4" max. in diameter x 9" tall. David Andersen The David Andersen company is a fourth generation family owned business. David Andersen (1843 -1901) was the son of a Norwegian tenant farmer. At 19 he became an apprentice to a Silversmith in Oslo where he studied enamelling technique. These were incorporated into designs made for English firms in London. During 1876, Andersen opened his own goldsmith workshop in Christiania (Oslo.) He became one of Norway's most renowned and celebrated silversmiths. In 1899 his firm had 121 employees, 29 of which were women. By the time of his death in 1901 his Oslo workshop was producing flatware, holloware, and jewellery which was exhibited at International Expos in Europe. Since the 1920s many fine contemporary designers have worked for the David Andersen firm. including the modernist designer Harry Sorby...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
$5,458 / set
H 4.14 in Dm 1.58 in
Butt Marker 12 Shooting Silver Shot Glasses, Pushkin Alexander, circa 2019
By Pushkin Alexander
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Novelty solid silver butt marker shot glasses imitating a very large hunting shell cartridge, designed in two sections, a solid silver base and fitted shot...
Sterling Silver