Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, shoppers of the late 19th century knew it as Liberty & Co. — purveyors of fine silverware designed in the Art Nouveau style, Arts and Crafts-style furniture and an eclectic assortment of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and other goods from around the world.
British merchant Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded Liberty & Co. in 1875. Liberty dreamed of selling an assortment of fine wares he obtained in the Far East from a ship docked in the middle of one of London’s busiest shopping thoroughfares. However, he could only manage to borrow £2,000 from his father-in-law, so he settled for a small shop on Regent Street.
What began as a modest business grew exponentially over the next few years, and, by 1890, Liberty & Co. occupied most of Regent Street. Meanwhile, Liberty forged relationships with many British Art Nouveau artists and designers who were keen to work with one of the most prestigious retailers in London.
In 1899, Liberty & Co. hosted an exhibition showcasing a collection of silver pieces designed by notable silversmiths like Oliver Barker, Albert Edward Jones and Bernard Cuzner. A line of silverware called Cymric also debuted and was produced in partnership with silversmith W. H. Haseler of Birmingham and Liberty & Co.’s chief designer, Manx artist Archibald Knox. The innovative Cymric collection featured a blend of Art Nouveau with traditional Celtic style, including such pieces as candlesticks, spoons, bowls, tableware and jewelry.
Liberty & Co. also had a furniture workshop in Archway, London, run by Lawrence Turner and which employed carpenters to produce handcrafted, Arts and Crafts-style armchairs, stools, bookcases, cabinets, side tables and other furniture. Most of these high-quality and durable pieces were made of solid wood such as oak, mahogany and walnut. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty & Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid.
Liberty died in 1917, and Liberty & Co. became Liberty of London after relocating to their iconic location on Great Marlborough Street in 1924. Ironically, the imposing Tudor Revival building is constructed from the timbers of two decommissioned British Navy ships — realizing Liberty’s original “ship-store” dream.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Liberty & Co. serveware, seating and decorative objects.
Liberty of London Printed Chiffon and Devore Velvet Shawl
By Liberty & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Rare, Art Deco Liberty of London printed silk chiffon souffle and devore cut velvet shawl from the early 20th century. This vari colored muted shawl fe...
Liberty of London Multi-Color Multi-Floral Silk Scarf
By Liberty & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Liberty of London multi-color multi-floral print silk scarf is finished with hand-rolled edges measuring 27" x 28".
Liberty of London "Shades of Burgundy" Palsey Silk Scarf
By Liberty & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Liberty of London "Shades of burgundy" palsey silk scarf measures 23" x 24", finished with hand-rolled edges. Made in England.
A Vintage 1970s Liberty / Sara Ferni Floral Print Top
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
A pretty vintage top for Spring/Summer. In a Liberty floral print, by Sara Ferni, with a black background, the top has a lace trim over the bust and at the end of the sleeves. The to...
$119
W 35.44 in L 78.75 in
Pecan Soft Brown and White Linen Scarf Handwoven By Artisans Neutral Ombre Hues
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Pecan linen scarf is an elegant piece that is easy to blend in with most outfits. Classic gift or personal purchase for all round the year, this hand woven scarf also supports artisa...
Coco Brown Soft Classic Modern Artisanal Handwoven Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Coco linen scarf is an elegant piece that is easy to blend in with most outfits. Classic gift or personal purchase for all round the year, this hand woven scarf also supports artisa...
$95Sale Price|26% Off
W 37.41 in L 86.62 in
Auro Cinnabar Women's Soft Linen Handwoven Scarf by Studio Variously
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Custom design by Studio Variously, Auro Cinnabar is a light weight soft linen scarf. It is finely handwoven by master artisans in Nepal. A sustainable design brand based out of Michigan, Studio Variously exclusively collaborates with artisan communities to restore & revive ancient techniques by exploring custom modern designs in textile based products. A beautiful translucent appeal is crated by the natural texture of linen which is beautifully handwoven in unique pattern to make the undyed ( white portion ) stand out. Classic in appeal , this piece is a timeless accessory. The dyes used are 100% certified Eco Friendly Swiss dyes making this piece completely biodegradable in nature. Soft in hand feel this light weight translucent scarf is easy to blend in with most outfits and perfect gift or personal wear accessory for indoor, outdoors or travel. Our linen scarves...
Iris Haze Blue Pink Cashmere Merino Modern Artisanal Handwoven Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Combining simplicity & elegance with artistic luxury, Iris Haze Scarf has been carefully dyed by master artisans to give this beautiful one of a kind effect of colors blending. T...
Hermes 'Rives Fertiles' Silk Scarf 90cm x 90cm
By Hermès
Located in Glasgow, GB
Silk scarf from Hermes. Designed by Christine Henry in 2005, a year designated by Hermes as The Year of The River, the design is inspired by the Fertile Crescent, featuring a scene o...
Yohji Yamamoto FW 2020 Runway Distressed Corset
By Yohji Yamamoto
Located in Mentone, CA
An iconic piece from Yohji Yamamoto's Fall/Winter 2020 collection, this distressed corset exemplifies the designer's signature approach to deconstructed tailoring and avant-garde sil...
HERMES taupe leather & cashmere Shawl Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès by Martin Margiela reversible shawl in khaki green lambskin leather and cashmere. Features an effortless, fluid silhouette with an open front, softly rounded sh...
HERMES silk BINGATA Twilly Scarf Scarf Vert Noir Saumon Moutarde
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermès Bingata twilly by Natsuno Hidaka in Vert Noir (sage green), Saumon (salmon) and Moutard (mustard) silk twill (100%) with de...
Hermes Tropical Garden Silk Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Brisbane, QLD
Hermès tropical garden anthracite silk scarf in excellent condition. Hand-rolled edges. Color: anthracite/light blue/yellow Dimensions: 16.5" L X 16....
HERMES chocolat & cognac silk BOLDUC AU CARRE 90 Twill Scarf
By Hermès
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic Hermes 'Bolduc au Carre 90' scarf by Caty Latham in chocolat brown silk twill (100%) with details in cognac, white, orange beige and white. Has been worn and is in exc...
Gucci x Tom Ford F/W 2003 Silk Ruched Top Blouse
By Tom Ford for Gucci
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Prémode presents Gucci x Tom Ford F/W 2003 Silk Ruched Top Everything is romantic, including this absolutely divine silk top from Gucci x Tom Ford Fall/Winter 2003 collection. Cut f...
Hermès Margiela Era Vintage Brown Scarf Shirt Sz IT38
By Hermès
Located in Melbourne, VIC
From Martin Margiela’s revered tenure at Hermès, this vintage brown scarf shirt embodies the quiet luxury that defined the house during the late 1990s. Crafted in France from fluid s...
Liberty & Co of London Block Print Floral Dress, 1930s
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A perfect example of '30s comfort and casual beauty. The warm florals on this dress are gorgeous and soft. The zig zag smocking stitch that lines the collar sleeves and waist are mul...
Liberty Paris Black and Silver Lame Cocoon, Cape or Shawl circa 1920
By Liberty & Co.
Located in New Hope, PA
Liberty , Paris was a branch of the famous Liberty of London company, and this stunning piece was retailed by them at their Paris location. The garment can be worn as a cape, draped ...
Vintage Liberty Print Dress
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
A pretty cotton print dress from Liberty. In a plumb and cream print, the dress has a round neckline,button opening at the back and an elastica...
A Liberty and Co Evening Embroidered Satin Cape Circa 1920
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1920 England Amazing evening cape in the Djellaba spirit in black Duchesse satin silk by Liberty and Co dating from the years 1920 - 1930. Cape with small slashed sleeves and ...
Liberty of London Multi Shades of Greens "Circular Trail of Florals" Silk Scarf
By Liberty & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Liberty of London wonderfully whimsical "Trail of Florals" in multi-shades of greens, measures 26 inches by 27 inches. Detailed stitched edges and made in England.
1970s Liberty London Silk Floral Scarf 27"x26"
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Port Hope, ON
Foliage and delicate colorful flowers circle an aqua blue middle. This silk scarf has one faint spot and otherwise is in great condition. The hand rolled hems are plump.
A Vintage 1960s silk duster coat in a pale pink by Liberty
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
A pretty duster coat by Liberty of London. In a dusty pink raw silk, the coat has a mandarin style collar with hook and eye fastening, bracelet length sleaves and is fully lined.
Capeline or visit in velvet and swan feather - Liberty and Co - Circa 1920
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Toulon, FR
Circa 1920 /1930 England Lovely capeline or evening visit in rust silk velvet lined with chestnut swan feathers and dating from the early20th century. G...
Liberty Forest Green Forest of Birds Silk Jacquard Scarf
By Liberty & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Liberty's forest-green with multi-colors of "Forest of Birds" silk jacquard scarf is accented with hand-rolled edges. This scarf measures 26 1/4 inches by 26 1/4 inches, and m...
Vintage Liberty of London Scarf Silk Shawl 34in 60s Florals Made in England
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This pretty vintage scarf was made by Liberty of London and made in England, most likely in the 1960s. Measuring 34in square, this large size scarf makes it easy to wear around the ...
Sold
Size: no size tag; fits like US M
Liberty of London Ladies Trench Coat Made in Italy Size M Vintage 1950s
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
This chic trench was made by Liberty of London, most likely in the late 1950s. Made from a cotton blend fabric in a deep shade of camel tan, it features side pockets, cinch buckles ...
Liberty of London Multi-Color Silk Scarf
By Liberty & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Liberty of London multi-color silk scarf measures 23" x 23". Made in England.
Jacob & Co. is considered expensive for a few reasons. For one thing, the watch collectors of the world know the watchmaker for its multicolored-gemstone designs as well as its oversized and innovative complications. There are substantial costs related to the design, assembly and premium materials associated with Jacob & Co.’s luxury watches, which are painstakingly crafted in Switzerland and sold all over the world. The price tag reflects the brand’s use of meticulously sourced round brilliant cut diamonds and metals such as 18-karat gold. Additionally, only a limited number of timepieces leave the watchmaker's workshops each year, so demand usually far exceeds supply. Find Jacob & Co. watches for sale on 1stDibs.