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.
Rare Custom One of a Kind Prototype Viscount David Linley Mirror 3D Affect Frame
By David Linley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning one of a kind Viscount David Linley wall mirror A very good looking and well made piece, it was bought by my client by custom orde...
Mirror, Sycamore
Large Concave Blue Mirror Sculpture
Located in London, GB
Concave tinted glass. Similar to Anish Kapoor sculptures. Thermoformed and mirrored, mounted on a brass structure. Available in blue (as pict...
Brass
$8,250 / item
H 52 in Dm 45 in
“Drip Drop Mirror”, Minimalist Brushed Bronze Wall Mirror with Shelving
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Evan Cranes "Drip Drop Mirror" is an elegant and minimal wall-mounted mirror with unique shelf storage. It is intended to be a feature piece in the home t...
Bronze
By Heart Mirror Wall Decoration
Located in Paris, FR
Mirror By Heart made with LED lights with mirrored glass and plexiglass creating an infiny mirrored effect through a heart shape. With colors changing ...
Glass, Plexiglass
Neal Smalls "Slopes" Mirror Wall
By Neal Small, Converso
Located in Chicago, IL
Neal Small Slopes Mirror Wall, faceted wall sculpture, Classic design. These are "The Original" authorized edition This version can be displayed horizontal (image one) or vertically ...
Mirror, Wood
$2,221
H 17 in W 15.5 in D 1.25 in
One of a Kind Art Nouveau Bronze Wall Mirror with Stylish Floral Design Frame
Located in Lisse, NL
This practical size and beautiful Art Nouveau wall mirror is in excellent condtion. Have you ever seen a cast bronze Art Nouveau picture frame? This rare example comes with very ele...
Bronze
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
H 24 in W 24 in D 0.5 in
"Deer in the Shade, " Highly Rare Art Deco Mirror with Sculptural Relief
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stunning and very rare, this high style Art Deco mirror features a pair of deer under a spreading tree, all alive with a silvery shimmer that is entrancing. The background is reverse...
Glass
Impressive Large One of a Kind Brass Mirror, France
By Elie Hirsch
Located in Paris, FR
Impressive large one of a kind brass mirror, France, weigh: 25kg `About the artist:Graduate in ceramic design and metal sculpture (2001, 2003), he worked during two years with the sculptor Hervé Wahlen...
Brass
MOI Round Mirror in Textured Bronze by Soraya Osorio
By Soraya Osorio
Located in Vero Beach, FL
MOI Round Mirror — Textured Aged Bronze Frame & Bronzed Steel Support The MOI round mirror features a meticulously handcrafted textured aged bronze frame, offering depth, warmth, and sculptural presence. Its bronzed steel support allows for two installation options: • Recessed mounting for a clean, fully concealed appearance • Surface mounting with visible fasteners for an architectural, industrial detail ( Fasteners Not included ) The bronze frame projects 1 3/8" to 1 1/2" from the wall, creating a striking floating effect. Both the inner and outer edges of the frame are textured, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and material richness. Measuring 36" in diameter and weighing approximately 26–30 Lbs, the MOI mirror is ideal for an entryway, vanity, bedroom, or living room. Customization available. Featured in Elle Décor...
Brass, Steel, Bronze
$11,900
H 38 in W 44 in D 2.5 in
Rare, Large, French Hand Made, Surrealist Plaster Mirror, Attr. Serge Roche 1930
By Serge Roche
Located in New York, NY
Rare, large, dramatic, hand-made French Plaster Mirror attributed to Serge Roche. The mirror / wall sculpture is in an organic, free-form, Surrea...
Mirror, Plaster
Monumental Naval Mirror
Located in Chicago, IL
Naval mirror, heavy gauge metal with large two-sided round mirror, can be secured on most surfaces and or walls.
Metal
Sculptural Starburst Nail Mirror
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural sunburst nail mirror, American, circa 1960s. Handmade with welded patinated nails. Overall diameter is 32 inches, diameter of mirror is inches...
Metal
$1,555 / item
H 1.19 in Dm 31.5 in
Itinera Res Lunare I Wall Mirror by Atlasproject Black Geniune Leather
By Atlasproject
Located in Manocalzati, Avellino
Itinera Res Lunare I Combining the stunning Antique Mirrors mirrored glasses with the warmth of hand finished natural materials, the Res mirrors will be an...
Stainless Steel