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Holland & Sons Desks

British

One of the most influential and successful British furniture manufacturers of the Victorian era, Holland & Sons was renowned for its superb quality. It would be difficult to find collectors unfamiliar with Holland — or its rival, Gillows of Lancaster and London — as the company was a leader in neoclassical and Gothic furniture and interior design in the early to mid-1800s, using only the richest of hardwoods and the finest of metals. Antique Holland & Sons chairs, storage cabinets and tables frequently featured rare-specimen wood marquetry and engraved ivory inlays. The manufacturer’s designs grace the collections of museums around the world and can still be found in the royal homes of Europe.   

Two cabinetmakers, Stephen Taprell and William Holland, opened a small joinery in 1815 near Buckingham Palace in London, England, and named it Taprell & Holland. Holland was a relative of the acclaimed Regency architect Henry Holland, the famous gardener and landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown, and the former Member of Parliament Richard Bateman-Robson. This familial edge provided the needed influence for the company among the aristocracy, and their business saw immediate prosperity.  

The firm traded under the name Taprell, Holland & Son for a period, and when Taprell retired in 1843, Holland took over the company and changed the name to Holland & Sons. Holland decided to diversify and began offering a broad range of services to the very wealthy — arranging furniture and household decoration rentals, managing funerals and even providing plumbing services. By 1851, they employed over 350 people.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert commissioned Holland & Sons to supply the entire furnishings of their private homes — Osborne House, Balmoral Castle, Sandringham House and Marlborough House. The Monarch’s satisfaction with Holland and Son’s furnishings led to the company being granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment, affording the owners the opportunity to display the coveted “By Appointment of HM The Queen” mark and her Coat of Arms above the entrance to their offices.  

Other Holland & Sons furniture commissions of note include the London Union Club, the Athenaeum Hotel in London, Arundel Castle in West Essex and the All Souls College in Oxford. The firm was also involved in the funerals of Prince Albert and the mother of Queen Victoria — both in 1861 — and contributed works to the 1901 coronation of Edward VII when they made the throne for his wife, Queen Alexandra.

On 1stDibs, find antique Holland & Sons tables, cabinets, seating and more.

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Creator: Holland & Sons
Substantial 19th Century Figured Burr Walnut Partners' Desk by Holland & Sons
By Holland & Sons
Located in London, GB
A Substantial Walnut Partners' Desk By Holland & Sons A fully fitted partners desk with identical arrangements to both sides, constructed using finely figured walnut and with a tool...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Substantial 19th Century Figured Burr Walnut Partners' Desk by Holland & Sons
Substantial 19th Century Figured Burr Walnut Partners' Desk by Holland & Sons

Substantial 19th Century Figured Burr Walnut Partners' Desk by Holland & Sons

Rare Victorian Holland and Sons Double Sided Hardwood Partner Desk Writing Table
By Holland & Sons
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning rare and original early Victorian Holland and Son’s mahogany double sided library table or ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks

Materials

Leather, Hardwood

Rare Victorian Holland and Sons Double Sided Hardwood Partner Desk Writing Table
Rare Victorian Holland and Sons Double Sided Hardwood Partner Desk Writing Table

Rare Victorian Holland and Sons Double Sided Hardwood Partner Desk Writing Table

English Mahogany and Ormolu Partners Desk with Red Leather, 19th Century
By Holland & Sons
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine Partners Library Desk by Holland & Sons Constructed in mahogany and having splendid gilt bronze accents. Of freestanding pedestal form, rising from plinth bases, dress...
Category

19th Century English Georgian Antique Holland & Sons Desks

Materials

Ormolu

English Mahogany and Ormolu Partners Desk with Red Leather, 19th Century
English Mahogany and Ormolu Partners Desk with Red Leather, 19th Century

English Mahogany and Ormolu Partners Desk with Red Leather, 19th Century

Victorian Library Table by Holland & Sons
By Holland & Sons
Located in New Orleans, LA
This handsome library table is a remarkable example of the English furnishings that represented wealthy Victorian tastes. The piece is attributed to Holland & Sons, a firm regarded as one of the most important cabinetmakers of the era. Crafted of rich mahogany with gilt brass mounts and a tooled leather writing surface, this table characterizes the superb craftsmanship of Holland & Sons and exudes Victorian elegance. The well-known British cabinetmaking firm of Holland & Sons was considered the top of their class in their day. Found in 1803 by William Holland...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Victorian Library Table by Holland & Sons
Victorian Library Table by Holland & Sons

Victorian Library Table by Holland & Sons

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Midcentury Inspired Writing Desk

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19th Century English Walnut Desk
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1890s British Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks

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19th Century English Walnut Desk
19th Century English Walnut Desk

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19th Century English Victorian Mahogany Kneehole Desk by Francis & James Smith
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a good quality, unusual, Victorian mahogany kneehole desk by Francis and James Smith, Glasgow. The top, having three leather writing surfaces, each decorated with gold an...
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19th Century English Victorian Mahogany Kneehole Desk by Francis & James Smith
19th Century English Victorian Mahogany Kneehole Desk by Francis & James Smith

19th Century English Victorian Mahogany Kneehole Desk by Francis & James Smith

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Previously Available Items
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK
By Holland & Sons
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
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1840s English Early Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks

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Leather, Oak

ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK
ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK

ANTIQUE CIRCA 1840 POLLARD OAK BROWN LEATHER TOP WRiTING LIBRARY TABLE DESK

H 29.73 in W 47.64 in D 31.11 in
Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk by Holland & Sons
By Holland & Sons
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
For sale is a fine quality Victorian solid mahogany pedestal desk by Holland & Sons. The top of the desk has a green leather hide insert, with decorative gold tooling. Below this there are three drawers, the centre of which being stamped "Holland & Sons". The top of the desk fits onto two pedestals, each with three drawers. All of the drawers have turned handles, though these are a later replacement. All of the drawer linings are solid mahogany. The desk is complete with all of its original locks, and is in very good condition having been restored and re-polished. Measures: Width 48", depth 26", height 29" Holland & Sons were extremely good cabinet makers and they specialized in fine quality furniture. This is why such pieces are so well collected today as if you buy antique furniture...
Category

Mid-19th Century Great Britain (UK) Victorian Antique Holland & Sons Desks

Materials

Mahogany

Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk by Holland & Sons
Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk by Holland & Sons

Victorian Mahogany Pedestal Desk by Holland & Sons

H 29 in W 48 in D 26 in

Holland & Sons desks for sale on 1stDibs.

Holland & Sons desks are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Holland & Sons desks, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks by Holland & Sons were created in the Victorian style in united kingdom during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks by and Gillows of Lancaster & London. Prices for Holland & Sons desks can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $15,544 and can go as high as $92,906, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $33,441.
Questions About Holland & Sons Desks
  • What is Gouda Holland pottery?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Gouda Holland pottery is a type of pottery produced in the Netherlands during the early 20th century. It shares a name with the city from where it originated. Typically, Gouda pottery shows off colorful, ornate designs inspired by Art Deco and Art Nouveau designs. Shop a collection of Gouda pottery on 1stDibs.
  • Are all Howard and Sons chairs stamped?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Yes, all Howard and Sons chairs are stamped. However, the type and location of the stamp varies. You may see a name or number on a caster wheel or foot on some pieces. Others display the stamp on a paper label sewn onto the fabric. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted Howard and Sons chairs.
  • Is Wm Rogers & Son real silver?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
    Yes, Wm Rogers & Son is real silver. However, most pieces aren't solid silver. The silversmith worked predominantly in silver plate, which is a base metal finished with a thin layer of genuine silver. Shop a selection of Wm Rogers & Sons silver wares from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • How can I spot an authentic Howard & Sons chair?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    To spot an authentic Howard & Sons chair, first look for a name or number on the inside of the back foot. There may also be a paper label sewn into the hessian or a name stamp on the wheel. On 1stDibs, you can shop a collection of expertly vetted Howard & Sons chairs from some of the world’s top sellers.

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