20TH CENTURY DESIGN

Large Rörstrand Ashtray Table by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Signed A large and distinctive ashtray table produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, in the 1950s. Designed by Gunnar N...

A wonderful and skilfully executed piece of Swedish Folk Art. In 1925 readers of the Swedish family magazine Allérs familj-journal, would have found instructions for building this im...

This rare table lamp was designed by Vico Magistretti for the Italian manufacture Artemide during the 1960s, it is one of 2 that we currently have in stock. The lamp is made from one main piece of white plastic. Dalù is one a wonderful expression of Magistretti’s design ethos and reflects his belief that beauty and everyday functionality should be equally important in the object. Vico Magistretti was born in Milan. He attended Parini High School before he enrolled in the Regio Politecnico Faculty of Architecture in Milan in the fall of 1939. In 1943-1944 he moved to Switzerland, where he attended several academic courses at the Champ Universitarie Italien in Lausanne. It was then that he spent time with Ernesto Nathan Rogers, who had a key influence on his intellectual education. In 1945 he returned to Milan, where he graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Polytechnic University. He immediately started working for his father's company, the architect Piergiulio Magistretti, in via Conservatorio. The 1950s were a very busy and fruitful period for the young architect, who came up with many innovative ideas and very quickly became one of the most outstanding representatives of the third generation. Over the next few years he worked as a designer as well as an architect, creating furniture and objects that will always be classics of contemporary production. It was then that he was awarded the Golden Compass for the Eclisse lamp (1967).He then started working with important companies such as Artemide, Campeggi, Cassina, De Padova, Flou, Fontana Arte, Fritz Hansen, Kartell, Olivari, Oluce, Poggi, Schiffini Mobili Cucine and Gebrüder Thonet Vienna. His design works are in the permanent collection of MoMA - Museum of Modern Art in New York and in many other museums in America and Europe. In the field of architecture, it is worth mentioning his nomination as an honorary member of the Royal College of Art in London, where he was also a visiting professor. He also participated in exhibitions and conferences in Europe, Japan and the USA. Established in the 1960s, Artemide is one of the most famous lighting brands in the world. Known for its philosophy, The Human Light...

Study for a man seated sculpture Michael Kenny RA Original Artist: Michael Kenny RA (1941-1999) Chalk numbers on verso Born in Liverpool 1941, he son of an engineer. Studied at Liverpool art school, alongside Stuart Sutcliffe (an early Beatle) and John Lennon. He then went onto Slade in 1961 to study under Reg Butler, who nicknamed his protege "the Liverpool Italian". His distinguished career began when exhibited in Oxford in 1964. Michael was one of the most influential British sculptors of his generation and his contemplative geometric stone works became increasingly well regarded. He was elected associate member of the Royal Academy in 1976 and a Royal Academician in 1986. Today his work is held in museums all over the world including the British Museum, The Tate Gallery and the V&A in London. He has had solo shows in Germany, Sweden, Milan, Paris, Los Angeles, London, Japan and Dubai. Subsequently many corporations and private collectors throughout the world hold examples of his work. On Michael Kenny's gravestone in Highgate cemetery is the title of one of his sculptures, More Loved Than Known. The legend has been prophetic. He has a passionate following among the thousands of students he taught, who include Antony Gormley and Damien Hurst. Michael Kenny: Sculpture & Drawings This was an exhibition of Michael Kenny’s recent sculptures and drawings, from 1975 to 1977. Kenny (1941-1999) first studied in his home city of Liverpool before moving to London to continue his studies at the Slade. Following a successful international career, he was appointed a Royal Academician in 1986, and in 1997, two years before his death, he had a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy. Several of the sculptures in this Serpentine exhibition derived from his earliest pre-occupation, the human figure. In the works displayed, Kenny took particular inspiration from the female figure, lying or sitting, occupying, and informing an intimate space. We can see the workings of the Artist and possible preparatory sketch for the included sculpture in the following images. Michael Kenny was a sculptor and a painter, a prolific draughtsman and a print-maker. His early sculptures are dramatic, dealing with the isolation and loneliness of the individual. In later years, he worked mainly in stone in a quest for a sculpture that is simple in form and rich in meaning. With over 60 illustrations and key excerpts from the sculptor's own notebooks, this book provides the first opportunity to examine in detail the progress of Michael Kenny's career. Peter Davies...

The high back lounge chair ‘Marcello’ was inspired by stylish Italian design from the 1950s and is now created by English craftsman for the 21st cent...

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scallo...

The high back

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scallo...

Artist: Adrian Hill (1895-1977) Label verso: The Royal Institute Galleries,195 Piccadilly London W1 Medium: Oil Adrian Keith Graham Hill was born in Charlton, London. Educated a...

Early to mid-20th century leather medicine ball in good condition with wonderful patina that only comes with genuine wear and age, 3.1kg in weight. We invite you to follow us and...

The high back lounge chair ‘Marcello’ was inspired by stylish Italian design from the 1950s and is now created by English craftsman for the 21st cent...

The painter Guillermo Pérez Villalta was born in 1948 in Cadiz. He studied architecture but eventually moved on to study painting. He moved to...

Sophia was inspired by stylish Italian design from the 1950s and is now created by English craftsman for the 21st century. We developed a lounge chair with the option of producing an...

The high back lounge chair ‘Marcello’ was inspired by stylish Italian design from the 1950s and is now created by English craftsman for the 21st century. We developed a lounge chair ...

Val Saint Lambert is a glass manufacturer, founded in 1826 and based in Seraing. It has the royal warrant of King Albert The beautiful colours enhance the swirls in the skirt of th...

Mid-Century Modern Concrete Planter – 1960s English Design Discover this exquisite Mid-Century Modern concrete planter from England, dating ba...

Mid-Century Modern Concrete Planter – 1960s English Design Discover this exquisite Mid-Century Modern concrete planter from England, dating ba...

An extremely rare and mechanically brilliant flip flap or lotus rosewood table. The choice of grain in the Rosewood is nothing short of beautiful and exactly what you would expect fr...

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scall...

This wonderful over sized 19th Century Dairy Bowl was found in the darkest depths of The historic Cotswolds in England. A Hand made Dairy Bowl that we procured from a traditional che...

This English vintage pommel horse has been thoughtfully transformed into a unique bench, carefully adjusted to standard seating height. Repurposin...

Early to mid-20th century leather medicine ball in good condition with wonderful patina that only comes with genuine wear and age. 2.5 kg in weight. General note: Shipping quotes...

19th Century Oversized Twin-Handled Dairy Jug – English Heritage Craftsmanship --- This wonderful oversized twin-handled 19th-century dairy jug embodies th...

Henry Coombes, British b.1977- "Umbrella" 2005; mixed media, oil paint on found umbrella, 84cm long, (ARR) Provenance: Purchased from Sorcha Dallas Gallery, Glasgow by the previous owner. Henry wrote: “The Umbrella was in my studio in 2005, being rainy Glasgow, I used it, left it open to dry. I was painting a series of oil paintings you can find on my website, ( oil painting section) Glen Golly, Ponker, Lady offering Cock to Fox. I loved what was happening on the pallet more than what was happening on the canvas. So the end of every day I would scrape it off and smear it on the umbrella. I am somewhat superstitious I believe in the notion of bad luck, I was afraid the open umbrella would upset the painting gods. So the ritual of putting the paint on the umbrella was to change into something new that would appease the spirits of bad luck, and bring good fortune to the painting. Paint is a fluid process will ultimately can not control, and if we try to hard it becomes dull illustration. I teach art in prison I see painting holding together the lives of life prisoners. I have huge faith in its power and same time I am humbled by it every time I go into the studio”. Henry Coombes’ distinctive art practice has received wide recognition since his graduation from Glasgow School of Art in 2002. He has a multi-disciplinary practice working in painting, collage, drawing, sculpture and film. Earlier film works like ‘Laddy and the Lady’ and ‘The Bedfords’ explored ideas of class, hierarchy, hunting for sport and Victorian...

An Art Deco wood and textured gesso, guilt painted portal mirror with bevelled edge. Original paper to verso with remnants of original label. This small and delicate Art Deco Portal...

The Otilia Wave pattern blanket/throw has been created by an incredible and unique family owned weaving and textile company in Portugal. This company impressed us so much by their commitment to working with the environment, their dedication to their community and their heart centred manufacturing process. The family have been in the wool business for generations from 1980. They then took a big leap into helping to resurrect a dying industry that was due to be lost forever. Restoring local unused machinery and buying antique...

An Art Deco wood and textured gesso, guilt painted portal mirror with bevelled edge. Original paper to verso with remnants of original label. This sm...

Watercolour by David Birtwhistle. Titled, "Barn cat”. Signed lower left. Glazed and framed in gold coloured frame. David Birtwhistle was born in 1947, the son of a Methodist minis...

A beautiful decorative Horn Beaker or cup with wonderful decorative markings, benefitting from and interior copper and silver or tin lining interior sleeve...

Creating a wonderful display for Oysters or sea food this French Majolica oyster plate in lustrous deep colouring, but the well thought of maker Sarreguemines, circa 1890. Six scallo...

Sophia was inspired by stylish Italian design from the 1950s and is now created by English craftsman for the 21st century. We developed a lounge chair with the option of producing an...

This Gem grade, Amethyst Geode crystal Sculpture, resembles in shape and silhouette that of a shrouded woman holding a swaddled baby. And would work well in a Boho Chic Styled Interior. The Geode originates from Uruguay where they are mined from the same rock formation as their relatives just to the north across the border into southern Brazil, they are igneous (volcanic) in origin. Differentiated from its Brazilian relatives by it’s typically smaller crystal size and darker, deeper colour the Uruguayan amethyst...

A timeless icon of design this wonderful set of eight model #3107 (also known as the "Series-7") stacking dining chairs in black were designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen in 1955. This set are an early production model with a rarely seen registered and numbered metal CAP, April 1964. In the late 60’s Fritz Hansen then changed to the more commonly seen plastic stamped CAP. The CAP carries the Made in Denmark, the Danish Control FurnitureMakers emblem and the FH logo along with the year. This is important for collectors who are not looking to buy the more usual plastic CAP chairs you find on later production models. This highly practical early set of 8 dining side chairs...

General note: Shipping quotes as supplied by 1stdibs are only indicative. We will discuss and figure out the best possible shipment method (and rate) for every individual object We...

A faux bamboo walnut mirror of beautiful warm tones, together with it’s original hanging chain in the Chinoiserie/Aesthetic Movement style. Refreshed and revived by professional rest...

A very rare complete collection of signed true First edition / First Print of all five published editions of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse All hand signed in person by the author, artist and illustrator Charlie Mackesy...

19th Century Iron, Brass, and Steel Firedogs / Andirons These 19th-century andirons stand out for their combination of robust materials and elegant design, blending iron, brass, and...

Swedish ceramic artist Carl-Harry Stålhane (1920- 1990) played a major role in popularizing Swedish pottery during the 20th century, working for more than three decades at Rörstrand, one of the oldest ceramics manufacturers in Europe. During his long tenure at Rörstrand, Stålhane was responsible for small-batch studio pieces, mass-produced tableware , and all manner of decorative accessories . Born in 1920 in Mariestad, Sweden, Stålhane began working at Rörstrand in 1939 as a decorative painter, assisting Danish-Finnish ceramic artist, designer, and sculptor Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997). During this time, Stålhane decorated various ceramic pieces, most notably Nylund’s Flambé range (1939s), quickly establishing himself as a talented ceramic artist. Inspired by the desire for new products during the postwar economic boom, Stålhane went from being a talented decorator to an exceptional ceramic artist. In 1943, Stålhane caught the eye of Swedish artist Isaac Grünewald (1889-1946), who was visiting Rörstrand. Grünewald was so impressed with Stålhane’s work that he took him on as a student, and from 1943 to 1946, Stålhane studied art at Grünewald's Art School in Stockholm. Subsequently from 1947 until 1948, he studied sculpture at Académie Colarossi in Paris. During the 1950s, Stålhane’s work appeared in several solo exhibitions in Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. His Blanca Tableware range (c. 1955) won numerous international prizes and was in high-demand. In 1958, Stålhane succeeded Nylund as Artistic Director and Chief Designer at Rörstrand. In 1960, Stålhane unveiled a new collection at Stockholm’s Galerie Blanche. Featuring dark stoneware pieces made from local clays, this collection represented a bold departure from the soft, restrained shapes of the 1950s. It has since been praised for its precient aesthetic that would influence the look of ceramics for more than a decade. From 1963 until 1971, Stålhane taught ceramics at the Art Industrial School in Gothenburg. For a short time, he also was the Design Director at the Swedish factory Upsala Ekeby, which in addition to porcelain, produced tile, brick, and glass. Stålhane eventually left Rörstrand in 1973 in order to establish his own ceramic company, Designhuset, in Lidköping, where he further experimented with local clays and minerals. Stålhane continued to work until his death in 1990. Today, Designhuset is a school for ceramists and model-makers. Over the course of his career, Stålhane created several public works for The Commerce Trust Company in Kansas City, Missouri, and for Volvo in Gothenburg, Sweden. His work is represented at several international museums, including Stockholm’s Nationalmuseum and New York’s MoMA. Rörstrand is the second oldest brand of ceramics in Europe and can be found in homes all across Sweden and Europe. Rörstrand’s long legacy includes some of Europe’s most iconic ceramics collections including Swedish Grace, Mon Amie, Ostindia, Filippa...

Rare Italian station wall clock, found in Rapallo in the Italian Riviera. Made from wood carcass with Plastic and Bakelite fascia, with a metal clock face and weighted pendulum.

Sophia was inspired by stylish Italian design from the 1950s and is now created by English craftsman for the 21st century. We developed a lounge chair with the option of producing any number to your fabric specification. The price quoted is based on a high quality beech frame and velvet fabric with metal and brass legs. Our lead times are 6-8 weeks depending on your specific requirements. Should your brief determine a quicker deadline, we would endeavour where possible to customise our service to fit your needs. Mannequin shown for scale is 5 ft. 10 inches. Very similar in style to the Chairs that Ken...

Discovered on our travels in Italy and still yet to be seen again, this sleek 1920’s Art Deco chrome Bankers desk light with ink well or pen holder ...

We love this amazing interpretation of the Willow Bough fabric, originally designed by William Morris in 1887. Coloured by Ben Pentreath, richly saturate...

Popular lamp which was designed by Busquet and manufactured by Hala Zeist Lampenfababriek in Holland, circa 1960s. This piece features a dark brown dome shade and a flat disc base. I...

A Faux Bamboo Walnut mirror of beautiful warm tones, together with it’s original hanging chain in the Chinoiserie/Aesthetic Movement style. Refreshed and revived by professional rest...

An organic and Brutalist style Floor Lamp with Dragon Fly and Leaf design. No chips or cracks. Easily rewired for all regions. Bernard Rooke (born 1938) is a British artist and studio potter. Rooke has exhibited his "Brutalist" ceramics and painting both in the UK and abroad with work in many collections both public and private including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Cleveland Museum of Art, Nuffield Foundation, Röhsska Museum in Sweden and the Trondheim Kunstmuseum in Norway. Bernard Rooke attended Ipswich School of Art studying painting and lithography before going on to study at Goldsmiths College of Art. It was while studying here that he decided to take up pottery. Although unfamiliar with this craft and tradition, he found that working with clay provided new opportunities for freedom of interpretation and creativity. In 1960 Rooke set up his first pottery in Forest Hill in South London along with Alan Wallwork. It was a very small room with enough space for a small electric kiln. He was initially using mainly hand building, coiling, blocking and slabbing techniques. While researching ideas, he was supporting himself by part-time lecturing at London University, Goldsmiths College and St Mary's College. In addition, Rooke's membership of 'The Craftsman Potters' Association' enabled him to show his work in a shop in Carnaby Street in London. In 1967, both the need for a larger working space and becoming disillusioned with living in London spurred Rooke into moving out of the city and to an old mill building in Swilland in Suffolk. Rooke wanted to widen the range of work so as to become more commercial. With the birth of his son, Aaron, and much needed work to be done on the mill, it was important to be able to make a living. In 1968, the Grand Metropolitan Hotel commissioned Rooke to make 120 standard lamps, 120 table lamps as well as a 24 foot long ceramic mural and another 9 foot high, which incorporated interior lighting. The money from the commission helped to pay for much needed restoration work on the mill. By the 1970s, a gallery space was opened in the windmill and run by Susan Rooke, Bernard's wife, selling work to locals and tourists as well as to American airmen based nearby. The vision for Mill Gallery was beginning to develop and alongside this a reputation was building bringing in a good source of income. Sons Aaron and Felix were becoming more involved with the running of the pottery, giving Bernard more time to develop new ideas and designs and more time to continue with his painting. In 2004, the Rooke family decided not to sell to the public through the gallery anymore and close the pottery to concentrate more on painting and printmaking. In 2017 Bernard's lighting was featured in the Exhibition: “Glass, Light, Paint & Clay” at the Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery. The exhibition featured four artists: Bernard Rooke, John Maltby...

This wonderful Art Deco plate or shallow bowl made in Sweden 1930s at Gustavsberg factory, was designed by the painter and ceramicist Wilhelm Kåge. The name Argenta comes from the La...

A beautiful table lamp in crystal glass with the model name RD by Carl Fagerlund for Orrefors, Sweden. The base is made of crystal glass and reminds one of frozen water, with a very ...

A Pair of Arts & Crafts Oak, back pierced hall chairs with re upholstered in Willow Bough Tomato Olive by Morris & Co from the Queen Square fabrics by Ben Pentreath...

Danish Midcentury ‘Minerva’ Side Table by Hvidt & Mølgaard-Nielsen for France & Søn, 1950s Stamped, Teak and Rattan Two-Tier Corner Table with Architectural Form A sculptural and hi...

A Space Age Red ladder Desk light from the estate of the late Lady Wanda Boothby, the wife of Conservative peer, Lord Robert Boothby (1900-86). Robert Jo...

A simple paired back Danish designed Teak Mid-Century Modern nest of 3 Tables. Professionally polished and in good condition. With fine and interesting grain pattern and simple detai...

Rare Mid-Century Modern Coffee Table by Ángel I. Pazmiño – Ecuador, 1960s The work of Ecuadorian designer Ángel I. Pazmiño has been internationally recognized since the 1960s, when ...

A vintage midcentury round wicker ottoman, stool or side table. A completely versatile piece that adds warmth and handmade craftsmanship. This is one of 14 stools that we have collec...

The high back lounge chair ‘Marcello’ was inspired by stylish Italian design from the 1950s and is now created by English craftsman for the 21st century. We developed a lounge chair ...

A Mid-Century Modern Peill & Putzler glass sea shell desk light or table light made in West Germany, in or around the 1960’s. This highly tactile and very smooth to the touch seashell light...

A mid 19th century pair of zoomorphic Griffin Fire Dogs or Andirons. Made from cast Iron and with copper stomach inserts, these unusual and rare pieces are indicative of the Victoria...

A Mid-Century Modern style Italian table lamp or desk lamp made of brass and black lacquered metal, with two directional designed lampshades, with one bulb holder in the smaller shad...

A pair of Victorian late 19th century, early 20th century brass fire irons or Andirons, possibly produced around the time of the Aesthetic Movement with influences from Persia. A...

A Mid-Century Modern Italian pendant light or chandelier by the long established and respected glass maker Mazzega from the Island of Murano. The light has 10 white sugar spun sec...

Scandinavian Modern Rosewood Table by Poul Cadovius – Timeless Design Introducing a timeless piece of Scandinavian Modern design, this exquisite table is a creation of renowned desi...