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. 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
$1,966Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.8 in W 29.93 in D 37.41 in
Morris Armchair, Arts & Crafts, United Kingdom, Circa 1900
By William Morris (English)
Located in VÉZELAY, FR
Morris armchair. Arts & Crafts. United Kingdom, Circa 1900 Backrest inclination adjustable by rack system. Beech wood structure In good condition. Reupholstered a few years ago wi...
Fabric, Wood
French Arts & Crafts Turned Armchair, 19th C.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A distinctive 19th-century French Arts & Crafts turned-wood armchair featuring an impressive ladderback design with horizontal splats, each terminating in gracefully shaped, scallope...
Fabric, Wood
$939Sale Price|41% Off
H 38.98 in W 23.23 in D 21.46 in
English Arts & Crafts “Quaint” Rush Seated Armchair
Located in Norwich, England
A stylish English Arts and Crafts 'quaint' beech and fruitwood rush-seated armchair, with waved and pierced design splat. Probably made in High Wycombe. Circa 1900. *Free delivery f...
Rush, Beech, Fruitwood
$2,200 / set
H 42.25 in W 24.5 in D 23 in
Stickley Mission Arts & Crafts Cherry Wood Spindle Back Armchairs, Pair
By L. & J.G. Stickley Inc.
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mission or Arts & Crafts style spindle back armchairs or dining captain chairs By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, 1994 Solid cherry wood frames, with leather uphols...
Leather, Cherry
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
$1,930
H 40.16 in W 28.75 in D 30.32 in
Göttinger Chair - Morris chair with reclining function, Arts and Crafts, 1930
Located in Ludwigslust, DE
This rare Göttingen chair from the early 1930s embodies a fascinating moment in German design history: the transition from the craftsmanship-driven Reform style to the clear formal l...
Oak
$1,495
H 37.5 in W 25.25 in D 22.5 in
Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak and Cane Arts & Crafts Armchair
By Stickley Brothers
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts armchair By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1910 Beautiful quarter sawn oak, with caned back, carved barley twist legs, and leather u...
Leather, Cane, Oak
Arts and Crafts Slatted Armchair
Located in New York, US
Oak slatted armchair, seat cushions with button detail Arts and Crafts style, sourced in France
Fabric, Oak
English Arts and Crafts Oak Armchair
Located in Greenwich, CT
English Arts and Crafts period armchair, the shaped crest over slatted back, the arms similarly slatted, standing on square legs on original brass and ceramic castors, the upholstere...
Oak
Arts and Crafts "Heart" Armchair, Cotswold School, Circa 1920, England
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Girona, Spain
DESCRIPTION: Arts and Crafts "Heart" Armchair, Cotswold School, Circa 1920, England Solid Oak, Straight Legged, Curved Armrest, Original Rushed Seat, Heart Sign on Back. Provenance: Paul Reeves Private Collection CONDITION: Good condition. Wear consistent with age and use. DIMENSIONS: Height: 110cm (43in) Width: 55cm (22in) Depth: 60cm (24in) Seat Height: 46 cm (18in) ABOUT THE STYLE: The Cotswold School was a development of the Arts and Craft Movement started largely by Ernest Gimson and the brothers Sidney and Ernest Barnsley...
Oak
French Arts + Crafts Armchair
Located in West Hollywood, CA
French Arts + Crafts walnut frame armchair with new rush seat, France, early 20th century.
Wood, Walnut, Rush
Arts & Crafts Rare Pair of Edwin Lutyens Armchairs
By Edwin Lutyens
Located in Petworth, GB
Arts & Crafts rare pair of ladder back oak armchairs With rush seats By Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyens Circa 1902 Height 98cm Width 61cm Depth 50cm "Sir Edwin Lutyens was a designer an...
Rush, Oak