Liberty & Co.
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.
1970s English Liberty & Co.
Early 1900s British Liberty & Co.
1910s English Liberty & Co.
1970s Liberty & Co.
1970s British Liberty & Co.
1980s English Liberty & Co.
1980s English Liberty & Co.
Early 20th Century English Liberty & Co.
1960s British Liberty & Co.
1990s Italian Liberty & Co.
20th Century Unknown Liberty & Co.
Early 2000s Liberty & Co.
1980s Italian Liberty & Co.
Early 2000s French Liberty & Co.
21st Century and Contemporary Liberty & Co.
20th Century French Liberty & Co.
Late 20th Century French Liberty & Co.
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Liberty & Co.
20th Century Unknown Liberty & Co.
1970s Maltese Liberty & Co.
1990s Liberty & Co.
1990s British Liberty & Co.
1920s English Liberty & Co.
1970s English Liberty & Co.
1970s British Liberty & Co.
1950s British Liberty & Co.
1920s British Liberty & Co.
1960s Liberty & Co.
1990s French Liberty & Co.
20th Century Liberty & Co.
1960s British Liberty & Co.
1950s Italian Liberty & Co.
1970s English Liberty & Co.
Liberty & Co. fashion for sale on 1stDibs.
Designers Similar to Liberty & Co.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Peter Max's connection to the Statue of Liberty is that he created multiple paintings of the famous landmark. He made the first one for America's Bicentennial on July 4, 1976. You can shop a range of Peter Max art on 1stDibs.
- Who is Tiffany and Co owned by?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The legendary American luxury house Tiffany & Co. is currently owned by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), which completed the acquisition of the company in January, 2021. The firm started out modestly — Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young founded it in Connecticut as a “stationery and fancy goods emporium” in 1837, at a time when European imports still dominated the nascent American luxury market. Upon Charles’ death in 1902, his son Louis Comfort Tiffany took over artistic direction for the brand. On 1stDibs, find authentic Tiffany & Co. pieces from some of the world's top sellers.
- Is Tiffany & Co. real gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, any gold jewelry used by Tiffany & Co. is real gold. Tiffany & Co. is a luxury jewelry brand and prides itself on high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Tiffany & Co. pieces are offered in gold, rose gold, platinum and sterling silver. Shop a selection of Tiffany & Co. pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is Tiffany & Co. real silver?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Tiffany & Co. only uses sterling silver to create their silver jewelry designs. With proper care, the sterling silver of your gorgeous piece will last from generation to generation. You can shop a collection of Tiffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, Tiffany & Co. do not sell their famous blue boxes separately. You do, however, receive a blue box with the purchase of jewelry and goods from Tiffany & Co. Shop a collection of TIffany & Co. jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The “1837” stamp on Tiffany & Co. jewelry pieces is the year Charles Lewis Tiffany founded the brand in Brooklyn, Connecticut. Tiffany & Co. continues to be a popular luxury jewelry brand, even trademarking their signature blue as “Tiffany Blue” in 1998. In 2001 they partnered with Pantone to rename and standardized the color as “1837 Blue.” Shop a collection of Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A Tiffany & Co. engagement ring can cost as little as $13,000 or as much as $500,000 depending on the center stone’s carat weight, the band material and whether or not there are any side stones. The smaller the stone, the cheaper the ring will be. Find engagement rings designed by Tiffany & Co. on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Tiffany & Co. does indeed still make china. A quick glance on their website reveals chic dinnerware sets crafted in bone china in classic designs and patterns. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Tiffany & Co. pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Tiffany & Co. uses real pearls in their jewelry. Tiffany & Co. uses a variety of authentic pearl types, including Japanese Akoya, Tahitian, Chinese Freshwater and South Sea pearls. Shop a wide range of pearl jewelry from Tiffany & Co. on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes and no. Tiffany Lamps are still available, but they’re recreations of old designs and not new models. Tiffany & Co. split off from the lamps division a long time ago with Tiffany Studios taking on the lamp design and products. Tiffany Studios closed in 1930 and there are no new designs. Today you can still purchase new Tiffany Lamps based on the old designs. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic Tiffany Lamp pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023To tell if a Tiffany & Co. bracelet is real, first check the overall quality of the piece. Tiffany is revered all over the world, and the storied American luxury house is known for its immaculate craftsmanship and use of high-quality materials. If the accessory is 18k gold, it will be stamped with the number “750.” If it’s sterling silver, it’ll have a “925” stamp, and if it’s platinum, it will feature a “950” stamp. If the bracelet is set with any gemstones, they should be of high clarity and brilliance and evenly set. Diamonds that are selected for use in authentic Tiffany jewelry uphold GIA grading standards. Experts recommend that you work with an appraiser or jewelry industry professional on matters such as determining the authenticity of a given piece. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Tiffany & Co. bracelets from some of the world’s best sellers.