Skip to main content

Liberty of London Seating

British

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. And while it became a reputable retailer over time, the original Liberty & Co. was a pivotal force in the development of the Aesthetic, Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movements. As the champion of eclectic design throughout the centuries, Liberty continues to collaborate with designers to produce covetable interior fashion and accessories.

Arthur Liberty was born in 1843 in Buckinghamshire, England. His father, a draper, encouraged him to apprentice as a draper at age 16. Instead, he took an offer to work at Farmer and Rogers, a women’s fashion store. After ten years, he decided to strike out on his own. In 1875 he borrowed money from his father-in-law and leased a small store on the very prominent Regent Street, naming it the East India House.

Liberty’s store was very eclectic. It served as an emporium for Eastern imports, with a wildly varied collection of ornaments, fabrics and objects d’art — including imported antiques — on offer. In London, there was already a demand for and an interest in imported goods from India and elsewhere, so his business concept was an immediate success. He repaid his loan in less than two years and continually expanded by buying up all the buildings on his side of the street. His company was so successful that even the original Victoria and Albert Museum purchased Eastern textiles for its collection from his store.

By 1890, the firm came to be known as Liberty & Company. Liberty died in 1917, but the business continued to thrive. In 1924, the current iteration — and now world-famous — of the store was constructed. It was built in the Tudor Revival style and the structure's frame was made of wood salvaged from two British warships. In the 1950s and '60s, the store, now known as Liberty’s, helped spark the counterculture youth movements of the era as beatniks and hippies purchased fabrics and furnishings from this iconic store. 

On 1stDibs, find antique Liberty of London tables, decorative objects, seating and more.

to
4
31
31
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
29
3
1
2
19
4
4
4
27
7
17
4
16
18
18
10
8
8
21
12
9
8
2
31
31
31
62
1,452
1,244
1,119
1,075
Creator: Liberty of London
Pig Stool by Dimitri Omersa in Brown Leather, 1950s
By Dimitri Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in Barcelona, ES
Handsome handmade leather pig footstool / ottoman designed and manufactured at the 1950s by Dimitri Omersa for Liberty of London. Pig ottoman first made in the 1930's for Liberty '...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

Very Rare Small Infant Liberty London Omersa Brown Leather Piglet Pig Footstool
By Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa brown leather land dyed infant Piglet stool or footstool with origina...
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

Small Infant Liberty's London Omersa Brown Leather Hippopotamus Footstool
By Dimitri Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa brown leather land dyed infant Hippo stool or footstool with original glass eyes. These come in varying sizes, this is the small sized infant, I have the matching medium sized male and female listed under my other items, I also have the extra large bench...
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

Four Vintage of William Morris for Libertys London Early 20th Century Armchairs
By Liberty of London, William Morris (English)
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale set of four early 20th century William Morris for Liberty London armchairs A very good looking and well made set of four highly decorative chair...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

SMALL SiZED LIBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA BROWN LEATHER HIPPOPOTAMUS FOOTSTOOL
By Liberty of London, Omersa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original, small sized 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa brown leather han...
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

LIBERTY'S OF LONDON IANTHE UPHOLSTERED ViNTAGE SOFA IN DISTRESSED CONDITION
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this vintage distressed Liberty's of London Ianthe upholstered 2-3 seat sofa Please note the delivery fee ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Upholstery

MEDiUM NEW OLD STOCK LIBERTY STYLE OMERSA BROWN BULL COW LEATHER FOOTSTOOL
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale 1 of 3 absolutely sublime new old stock original Liberty’s London Omersa style brown leather hand dyed Bull ...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

MEDIUM SIZED LIBERTY'S LONDON BROWN LEATHER HiPPOPOTAMUS FOOTSTOOL
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original, medium sized 1930’s Liberty’s London brown leather hand dyed...
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

EARLY LIBERTYS IANTHE FABIC ANTIQUE VICTORIAN CIR 1860 LIBRARY READING ARMCHAiR
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Patina English Victorian circa 1860 library reading armchair in early Liberty's of Lo...
Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Hardwood

Victorian circa 1880 Liberty London Ianthe Upholstered Ottoman Footstool Trunk
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Victorian ottoman footstool upholstered with Liberty London Ianthe fabric My favourite type of stool in my favourite liber...
Category

1880s English Late Victorian Antique Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Upholstery

LIBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA LEATHER RHINOCEROS RHiNO FOOTSTOOL STOOL GLASS EYES
By Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this small absolutely sublime original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa leather hand dyed stool Please note ...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

DECORATIVE LiBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA LEATHER ELEPHANT FOOTSTOOL STOOL GLASS EYES
By Liberty of London, Omersa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this small absolutely sublime original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa leather hand dyed large stool Please ...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

LIBERTY OF LONDON IANTHE UPHOLSTERED VINTAGE SOFA FOR RESTORATION FABRIC REPAIRs
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this vintage distressed Liberty's of London Ianthe upholstered 2-3 seat sofa Please note the delivery fee ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Upholstery

Pair of Antique Original Paint French Country Chairs Inc Liberty's London Fabric
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare pair of Antique, original paint side chairs with period Victorian Liberty's London upholstery. This suite i...
Category

1880s French Victorian Antique Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Pine

LOVELY LIBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA LEATHER ELEPHANT FOOTSTOOL STOOL WiTH GLASS EYES
By Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa leather hand dyed large stool Please note t...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

Antique 1905 Liberty's London Qing Dynasty Stool / Side End Table Floral Carving
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare original Liberty’s London stool o...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Hardwood

VINTAGE CIRCA 1930's ENGLISH OAK ROCKING ARMCHAIR WITH LIBERTY'S LONDON IANTHE
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale absolutely stunning vintage circa 1930's English rocking armchair with removable Liberty's London Ianthe fabric cover Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only for the UK and local Europe only for international, if you would like an accurate quote please send me your postcode and I’ll provide you with the exact price I have a matching wingback...
Category

1930s English Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

New Old Stock Liberty Style Omersa Brown Leather Dachshund Sausage Dog Footstool
By Liberty of London, Omersa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime new old stock original Liberty’s London Omersa style brown leather hand dyed Sausage dog footstool...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

VINTAGE CIRCA 1930'S ENGLISH OAK ARMCHAIR WiTH LIBERTY'S LONDON IANTHE FABRIC
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale absolutely stunning vintage circa 1930's English Wingback armchair with removable Liberty's London Ianthe fa...
Category

1930s English Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Fully Restored Liberty's London Thebes Stool L Wyburd Original Antique Victorian
By Liberty of London, Leonard Wyburd
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime fully restored Victorian Liberty’s London Thebes stool designed by L Wyburd This piece is as iconic and stylish as they come, anyone who knows and follows fine furniture will recognise this piece instantaneously The design of this three-legged stool is based on an ancient Egyptian prototype, an example of which, dating to 1550-1300 BC, is in the collection of the British Museum (EA 2481). The Liberty stool, patented in 1884, is one of three models, copying Egyptian originals, retailed by the firm. For a full discussion of the nineteenth century’s fascination with Egyptian stools see Donato Esposito, ‘From Ancient Egypt to Victorian London: the impact of ancient Egyptian furniture...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Oak

ORIGINAL ANTIQUE LIBERTY'S LONDON JAPANESE QING DYNASTY ARMCHAiR FLORAL CARVING
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning and exceptionally rare original Liberty’s London Japanese ...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Edwardian Antique Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Hardwood

Very Rare Original Liberty's London Signed Qing Dynasty Chair Floral Carving
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this stunning and exceptionally rare original Liberty’s London signed Qing dynasty chair I have never seen one of these chair...
Category

Early 1900s Chinese Qing Antique Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Wood

FINE HAPPY GLASS EYED LiBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA LEATHER ELEPHANT FOOTSTOOL STOOL
By Liberty of London, Omersa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa leather hand dyed large stool Please note ...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

LOVELY HAPPY GLASS EYED LiBERTY'S LONDON LEATHER ELEPHANT FOOTSTOOL STOOL
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime original 1930’s Liberty’s London leather hand ...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

Aesthetic Japanese inspired Chair for Liberty, England circa 1905
By Liberty of London
Located in Knutsford, GB
A Liberty of London Aesthetic Japanese inspired Chair. Carved fruitwood depicting stylized foliage Imported to Liberty’s department store from Japan for their Orient section. England...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Fruitwood

HUGE 1.07 METERS TALL LiBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA LEATHER ELEPHANT BENCH STOOL
By Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa leather hand dyed extra large...
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

OLD STOCK LiBERTY LONDON STYLE OMERSA GREEN LEATHER FOOTSTOOL RHINOCEROS RHINO
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime new old stock original Liberty’s London Omersa style green leather hand dyed Rhino f...
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

COLLECTABLE LiBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA LEATHER ELEPHANT FOOTSTOOL STOOL GLASS EYES
By Liberty of London, Omersa
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa leather hand dyed large stool Please note t...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

SUPER RARE GREEN EYED LiBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA LEATHER ELEPHANT FOOTSTOOL STOOL
By Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely sublime very rare and original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa leather hand dyed large stool ...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

LUXURY LiBERTY'S LONDON OMERSA LEATHER ELEPHANT FOOTSTOOL STOOL GLASS EYES
By Omersa, Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this small absolutely sublime original 1930’s Liberty’s London Omersa leather hand dyed large stool Please ...
Category

1930s North American Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

SERENE LOOKING LiBERTY'S LONDON LEATHER ELEPHANT FOOTSTOOL STOOL GLASS EYES
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this small absolutely sublime original 1930’s Liberty’s London leather...
Category

1930s British Art Deco Vintage Liberty of London Seating

Materials

Leather

Liberty Of London seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Liberty of London seating 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 of London seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Liberty of London were created in the Art Deco style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Omersa, HALO SOHO, and Harry & Lou Epstein Furniture Co. Prices for Liberty of London seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $1,101 and can go as high as $6,153, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,396.
Questions About Liberty of London Seating
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    London blue topaz is actually not from London. London refers to a specific shade of blue that London blue topaz bears. It's lighter than aquamarine but darker than a rich sapphire stone.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    Yes, Links of London is real silver. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean its pieces are solid silver. The British maker produces many items out of sterling silver, which consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper and other base metals. Find a variety of Links of London jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    Yes, Yoko London is real pearls. The British luxury fashion house uses cultured freshwater pearls in its jewelry. Cultured pearls are real pearls that come from mollusks, but humans assist in the development process. Since naturally occurring pearls are very rare, most fine pearl jewelry features cultured pearls. Explore a collection of Yoko London pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The font used on London street signs is usually Univers Bold Condensed. However, local councils have the freedom to choose their own fonts, so you may see variations from the usual typeface in some places. You'll find a large collection of typographic art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025
    Several famous artists’ first exhibitions were held in London. Among the best-known is Damien Hirst, whose first exhibition, a group show called "Freeze," was held in a vacant London warehouse in 1988. Other notable artists whose first solo exhibitions were held in London include KAWS, Tracey Emin, Lauren Halsey, Mire Lee, Firelei Báez, Dominic Chambers, Krysia Nowak and Anthony Caro. Shop a collection of contemporary art on 1stDibs.

Recently Viewed

View All