Collectors the world over consider furniture maker Edward Barnsley one of the most influential figures in British design. Bringing his own touch to the local standard of crafting, Barnsley worked with rare hardwoods, such as rosewood and black bean, as well the staples of the Arts and Crafts style, like oak and walnut. His use of fine lines, delicate curves and detailed inlays set his work apart from that of his predecessors.
From Hampshire County, England, Barnsley was practically born to be a furniture maker. His father, Sydney, uncle Ernest and a family friend all practiced the craft and were strong influences on young Edward. At 10, he enrolled in Bedales, a progressive school focusing on practical skills and craftwork.
In 1920, after completing his studies, Barnsley returned to Hampshire and began employment at the workshop of local furniture maker and construction carpenter Geoffrey Lupton. In 1923, Lupton turned over his furniture workshop and client list to Barnsley. When his father died in 1926, Barnsley inherited his father's customers as well.
Barnsley employed numerous craftspeople and laborers — including the notable British furniture maker Alan Peters — increasing production immeasurably beyond that of his predecessors. The workshop created more than 7,000 individual works over the course of his leadership.
When electricity arrived to the shop in 1955, Barnsley was apprehensive about overutilizing mechanical means of production, believing the craftsperson's skill vital to making each piece a success. However, using machines to plane and sand the wood quickly became commonplace at the workshop, helping to boost production significantly.
Throughout his career, Barnsley often took the time to lecture at Loughborough College, passing on his wisdom and understanding of his craft to the next generation. He was also a founding member of the Crafts Council of England, and in 1945, received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
After Barnsley died in 1987, his widow and children gave substantial contributions to the workshop, helping to ensure its financial security for the future. Although Edward Barnsley is gone, the Edward Barnsley Workshop lives on — crafting outstanding furniture with the same level of perfection and vision as its namesake.
On 1stDibs, explore antique Edward Barnsley seating, case pieces and decorative objects.
Edward Barnsley. A Cotswold School walnut stool with the original tapestry seat.
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley. A Cotswold School Arts & Crafts handmade Walnut stool retaining the original tapestry seat. Stamped Barnsley under the seat.
Walnut
Edward Barnsley. Commissioned by G H J Morris An Arts & Crafts Cotswold armchair
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley. Commissioned by G H J Morris An Arts and Crafts armchair with beautifully made organic curvaceous sculptured arms, he certainly put a lot of love and thought into th...
Oak
The Original Swing-Out Seat with Ipe
By Get Back, Inc.
Located in Oakville, CT
***The ipe seats are made from one solid piece and they will weather from outdoor elements. There may be fading or minor checking and while most clients prefer the natural patina, the seats can be periodically coated to add additional protection*** Cast iron swing...
Iron
$2,500 / item
H 15.5 in W 17.5 in D 17.5 in
Rooted Walnut And Spalted Maple Stool With Square Upholstered Seat
By Brett Paulin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
The Rooted stool stands resolute and unyielding in its design. It harmoniously combines the rich textures of silver maple and walnut, their unique grains weaving a captivating story ...
Fabric, Maple, Walnut
Pair of Arts & Crafts Windsor Armchairs
Located in Greenwich, CT
A pair of Arts & Crafts windsor armchairs of tailored form, having tall fan backs with shaped rail over four spindles with a continuous bentwood spindle supported arm and saddled sea...
Beech
$3,841
H 41.74 in W 31.89 in D 28.15 in
Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Armchair by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet, 1900s
By Carel Adolph Lion Cachet
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau armchair. Design by Carel Adolph Lion Cachet. Solid oak base with original hand-carved elements. Original solid macassar ebony hand...
Fabric, Macassar, Oak
$435
H 4.38 in W 11 in D 11 in
Foot Stool Early Victorian with Octagonal Walnut Frame & Tapestry Top, ca 1840
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very attractive, unusual and original English Footstool from very early in the Victorian period of the 19th century, circa 1840. The foot stool has a rare and very decorative octagonal shape, the frame being made from walnut over a softwood frame. The walnut has a lovely mellow colour and patination from over 150 years of use. The stool has three original white ceramic bun feet. It has been re-upholstered in a woven floral tapestry fabric...
Ceramic, Tapestry, Walnut
Arts and Crafts Oak Armchair, UK, 1900s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning c.1900 Arts and Crafts oak lounge chair retailed by Goodyers of Regent Street, known for their association with Liberty & Co. The armchair features intricate yin and yang cu...
Velvet, Oak
Sold|$2,020
H 40.56 in W 34.65 in D 31.5 in
American Arts & Crafts Oak Armchair Attributed to Gustav Stickley
By Gustav Stickley
Located in Petworth, GB
American Arts & Crafts oak over-sized armchair Through tenon detailing and slatted back Currently upholstered in maroon leather Attributed to Gustav Stickley Circa 1900 Height 103cm ...
Leather, Oak
17th Vintage Carved Wooden Stool with Original Uncovered Seat
Located in Marbella, ES
Charming stool with a carved solid wood frame, featuring turned legs and decorative crossbars that add character and stability. The seat is made of natural fabric, with an interwoven...
Wood
Victorian Carved Walnut stool / Window seat
By Maple & Co.
Located in Dereham, GB
Late Victorian Carved Walnut duet stool / window seat, In the Hepplewhite manner, circa 1880s Upholstered seat with needlepoint material, D shaped ends, Carved detail around frame,...
Walnut
1940's Walnut Bar Stool with Leather and Fabric Seat
Located in Ballard, CA
The solid walnut bar stool is hand-crafted with traditional joinery. The upholstery features a combination of leather and fabric and is an homage to 1940's French designer Jacques Ad...
Brass
Georgian Revival Piano Stool Walnut Seat Needlepoint
Located in Potters Bar, GB
You are viewing a gorgeous Georgian Revival piano stool in walnut The top is covered in a vibrant needlepoint tapestry featuring a repeating stylised foliate motif The stretcher has ...
Walnut
$3,605
H 39.18 in W 22.45 in D 20.08 in
Sussex Chair Liberty Arts & Crafts William Birch E.G. Punnett Morris Style 1900s
By E. G. Punnett, Liberty & Co., William Birch
Located in London, GB
An outstanding and extremely rare William Morris style Arts & Crafts Sussex chair in wonderful antique condition. Attributed to E. G. Punnett and William Birch and almost certainly s...
Rush, Ash
Seventies Cherrywood Settee By Edward Barnsley
By Edward Barnsley
Located in Petworth, GB
Seventies cherrywood 2 seater settee By Edward Barnsley Circa 1979 with original receipt Re-upholstered in Edinburgh Weavers fabric ‘Kabadi” Designed by John Wright 1968 - jacquard weave rayon and cotton Circa 1979 with original receipt Edward Barnsley (1900-1987) was one of the most influential British furniture makers from the twentieth century. His father was Sidney Barnsley and together with his uncle Ernest and their friend Ernest Gimson, they established their practice in the Cotswolds, inspired by the ideology of William Morris and are recognised today as key figures in the Arts & Crafts Movement. James Morton...
Jacquard, Cherry
Sold
H 33.5 in W 17 in D 17 in
E Barnsley for the Rural Industries Bureau Six Arts & Crafts oak dining chairs
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley for the Rural Industries Bureau. A set of six oak Arts & Crafts style dining chairs with chamfered details to the backs and carved Acorns to the legs with leather dro...
Oak
Sold
H 18.9 in W 17.92 in D 12.6 in
Very Rare Original King George VI Coronation Stool 1937 Limed Oak by Maple & Co
By Edward Barnsley, Maple & Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original 1937 fully stamped King George VI Coronation stool made in limed oak by Maple & Co A highly collectable piece in sublime...
Upholstery, Oak
Sold
H 18.9 in W 18.9 in D 12.8 in
Rare Original King George vi Coronation Stool 1937 Limed Oak by Waring & Gillow
By Waring & Gillow, Edward Barnsley
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare original 1937 fully stamped King George VI Coronation stool made in limed oak by Waring & Gillow Please note the delivery fee lis...
Velvet, Oak