Liberty & Co. Benches

British

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 & Co. benches for sale on 1stDibs.

Liberty & Co. benches 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 Liberty & Co. benches, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original benches by Liberty & Co. were created in the Arts and Crafts style in europe during the 20th century. Prices for Liberty & Co. benches can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,830 and can go as high as $5,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,870.

Questions About Liberty & Co. Benches

What is a Liberty print?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
A Liberty print is a pattern featured on fabrics made by the British company Liberty Fabrics. More than 45,000 of these prints have been unveiled since the founding of the brand in 1875. The company was initially called Liberty & Co. before the world came to know it as Liberty of London. Although they vary, Liberty prints typically share some similar characteristics, such as featuring natural motifs like flowers and leaves, flowing curved lines and patterning all over. Find a collection of vintage Liberty fabrics and furniture on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Liberty furniture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024
To identify Liberty furniture, check discreet areas for a maker's mark. Most Liberty pieces feature a diamond-shaped tag made of ivorine or enameled brass that bears the Liberty name. Early pieces may feature a red or white paper label, while furnishings from select lines may feature an oval-shaped brass tag with the model and maker names. If you need help determining if a particular piece is a Liberty, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Liberty furniture.
Where is Liberty fabric made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
Liberty fabrics are made near Lake Como, Italy. Every Liberty fabric begins with a pattern hand-drawn by in-house designers located in London. A team of skilled technicians oversees the production of the fabric, and Liberty Fabrics unveils around 150 new materials each year. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Liberty of London pieces.
Is Liberty of London worth it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
Yes, many furniture lovers believe that Liberty of London is worth it. The Liberty of London department store, located in the fashionable West End of London in the United Kingdom, has been selling luxury items since 1875. From leather footstools in the shape of a hippo to elegantly hand-carved Moroccan coffee tables, there’s something to please every discerning collector. The original Liberty & Co. was a pivotal force in the development of the Aesthetic, Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements. As an enduring champion of eclectic design, Liberty continues to collaborate with designers to produce covetable interior pieces and accessories. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Liberty of London furniture is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a range of Liberty of London furniture on 1stDibs.
Is Liberty furniture solid wood?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
The best known Liberty furniture is made of solid wood. Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, 19th-century shoppers 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. 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 indeed 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. Find antique Liberty & Co. furniture on 1stDibs.
Is Liberty Furniture made in the USA?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
With respect to the British company called Liberty, where the furniture is made varies. Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, 19th-century shoppers 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. 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. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty & Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid. Find Liberty of London furniture on 1stDibs.
What is Peter Max’s connection to the Statue of Liberty?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Peter 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.
Why is Tiffany & Co. so famous?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
Tiffany & Co. is so famous due to its rich heritage. A young Franklin Delano Roosevelt proposed to his future wife, Eleanor, with a Tiffany ring in 1904. Vanderbilts, Whitneys, Astors and members of the Russian imperial family all wore Tiffany & Co. jewels. And Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis preferred Tiffany china for state dinners at the White House. In addition, Tiffany & Co. helped put diamonds on the map in 1886 by introducing the American marketplace to the solitaire diamond design, which is still among the most popular engagement ring styles. Explore a variety of Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.
Who is Tiffany and Co owned by?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The 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.
Why is Jacob & Co. so expensive?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 6, 2024
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.
Is Jacob & Co. worth it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
Many watch lovers believe that Jacob & Co. is worth it. The American company is noted for its unconventional take on forms and features, such as watch faces with complex, asymmetrical shapes and bezels accented with bold color schemes. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Jacob & Co. watches is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a range of Jacob & Co. watches on 1stDibs.
Are Jacob and Co. watches worth it?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
Yes, many watch lovers believe that Jacob & Co. watches are worth it. Jacob & Co. is one of the most prestigious traditional makers of timepieces in New York City. The company's watches are popular with collectors — Jacob & Co. is noted for its multicolored gemstone designs, oversized complications and unusual take on forms and features, such as watch faces with complex, asymmetrical shapes and bezels accented with bold color schemes. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Jacob & Co. watches is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find Jacob & Co. watches and other watches on 1stDibs.
DId Rolex collaborate with Tiffany & Co.?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
Yes, Rolex has collaborated with Tiffany & Co. The Swiss luxury watchmaker sold their timepieces at Tiffany & Co. boutiques from the 1950s through the 2000s. Rolex timepieces purchased at the boutiques featured the same mechanisms and style elements as other watches but featured the Tiffany name alongside the Rolex logo on their dials. Find an assortment of Rolex watches on 1stDibs.
What is Tiffany & Co. jewelry made of?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
What Tiffany & Co. jewelry is made of varies. The American luxury jewelry maker is best known for producing pieces out of .925 sterling silver, a durable, tarnish-resistant alloy that is 92.5% pure silver. However, Tiffany & Co. also manufactures jewelry out of platinum, titanium and 18-karat rose, white and yellow gold. Many pieces also feature genuine diamonds and pearls. Shop a wide range of Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.
What was Tiffany & Co. originally called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
Tiffany & Co. was originally called Tiffany & Young in 1837. The company was named after founders Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young. In 1841, J. L. Ellis became a partner, and the business name changed to Tiffany, Young & Ellis. When Tiffany took full control of the company in 1953, he changed its name to Tiffany & Co. Find a wide range of Tiffany & Co. jewelry on 1stDibs.
Where does Tiffany & Co. get their diamonds?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024
Where Tiffany & Co. gets its diamonds varies. The American luxury jewelry house sources gemstones from mines and suppliers in Botswana, Canada, Namibia, Russia and South Africa. All diamonds used by Tiffany & Co. are conflict-free and meet high-quality standards. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Tiffany & Co. diamond jewelry.
Is Tiffany & Co. real silver?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Tiffany & 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.
Is Tiffany & Co. a designer brand?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
Yes, Tiffany & Co. is a designer brand. Generally, the term designer brand refers to a brand guided by a creative director or chief designer. Tiffany & Co. fits this definition and has partnered with numerous designers, such as Elsa Perretti and Paloma Picasso, over the years. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Is Tiffany & Co. real gold?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Yes, 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.
Does Tiffany & Co. sell its boxes?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, 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.