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
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
The Original Swing-Out Seat with Unfinished Alder
Located in Oakville, CT
Redolent of the cafeteria tables found in early-20th-century schools and factories, The Get Back Original Swing-Out Seat is our hallmark product—proudly sand cast and made in America with premium ductile iron. This versatile heritage piece lies at the heart of the industrial-modern aesthetic of American furniture. Build these distinctive wall-mounted stools into your vision for a man-cave bar or kitchen-island. Designers have found they are the perfect alternative-seating solution for their commercial projects like beer gardens, communal-dining restaurants, and coffeehouse cafes. The 12” diameter alder wood seat is left raw for you to finish to your taste, or ipe is available and recommended for outdoor installations. The cast-iron assembly is painted satin black. Our rule of thumb for spacing is “one seat every two feet.” Stress tested in excess of 1,000 pounds. Seat depth measures 12 1/2" when pushed in, 26" when swung out. Width including seat and bracket measures 24". Height from bottom of mounting plate to top of seat measures 10 3/4". Spec sheet and Base plate mounting scan available upon request. The Swing out Seat is also known as, or has been called: Suspended Swing Out Kitchen Stool, Space Saving Stool, Wrought Iron Stool, Swing Stools...
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
$3,800 / set
H 16.5 in W 15 in D 15 in
Walnut Faux Bamboo Stools with Needlepoint Giraffe & Zebra Upholstered Seats
Located in New York, NY
Pair of walnut faux bamboo ottoman / stools upholstered with hand stitched needlepoint Zebra surrounded by flowers on one, and a Giraffe on the other. c. 1970's, North Carolina, USA.
Linen
$432
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
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
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
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
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
George III Carved Walnut Stool with Upholstered Seat
Located in Long Island City, NY
George III carved walnut stool with upholstered seat. With a gadrooned seat rail, shell-carved cabriole legs and paw feet.
Upholstery, Walnut
19thC Original Green Painted Stool with Woven Seat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
19Thc Original green painted foot stool with hand woven hemp seat. The seat is amazing and in very sturdy condition.
Rattan, Wood
Norman Stool in Solid Walnut Wood with Leather Seat
Located in Paris, FR
Stool Norman with solid walnut wood structure, handcrafted wood treated with wax with natural pine extracts. With upholstered seat covered with high quality Italian genuine leather D...
Leather, Walnut
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 Edward Barnsley, Waring & Gillow
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