Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT
In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Cast Iron Planter, Attributed to Fiske
Located in Doylestown, PA
A charming cast iron planter in a floral form retaining some of its original green painted finish, circa 1870, attributes to J W Fiske, NYC.
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Large Majolica Thistle Jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880
By Onnaing
Located in Austin, TX
Large Majolica thistle jardinière Onnaing, circa 1880.
Height / 9.5 inches.
Diameter / 13 inches.
Category
1880s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Table with Stylised Floral Details
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Victorian cast iron garden table by G Hufton of Birmingham with stylised floral and zig-zag details throughout, an arched stretcher uniting the side uprights st...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of Minton Majolica Cobalt-Blue Ground Reticulated Garden Seats, 1871
By Minton
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Pair of Minton Majolica Cobalt-Blue Ground Reticulated Garden Seats
Shape no. 1364.
Each hexagonal, with a paneled side pierced in the Aesthetic style with yellow-centered w...
Category
1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Majolica
19th C. Victorian Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Widows Walk Fence Garden Element
By Fiske Or Mott
Located in New York, NY
Unusually long Victorian Widows Walk fence fragment, made in the USA, circa 1880’s, constructed of cast iron.
Perfect to repurpose as a decorative garden ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of Faux Bamboo Bronzed Iron Demilune Planter Jardinieres
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Amazing pair of bronzed iron demi-lune form garden planters or jardinieres supported by faux bois twig stands. The planters feature a faux bamboo covered exterior each in a semi-circ...
Category
20th Century Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
C Dresser for Colebrookdale Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Canopy Seat Ends
Located in London, GB
Designed by Dr C Dresser for Colebrookdale
A cast iron Aesthetic Movement garden Canopy Seat named 'Waterplants'.
The first image here is an example to ...
Category
1870s Great Britain (UK) Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of 19th/ 20th Century Oak Stick & Ball Architectural Elements
Located in Milford, NH
Nice examples of two different decorative oak stick and ball architectural elements, the larger wit a center shell or fan motif, probably American in origin, dating to the late 19th ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Oak
Iconic Nest-Egg Hanging Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The Nest Egg hanging chair swing seat is inspired from the organic forms in birds' nests and has a natural egg shape. The chair has been designe...
Category
2010s South African Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Steel, Stainless Steel
Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench
Located in Toledo, OH
Antique Cast Iron Branch Form Garden Bench. Circa 19th Century 1840-1849 Period. Aesthetic Movement. Featuring rope tied oak branches with leaves motif. This bench has seen many chan...
Category
1840s Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Classical 19th C. Brass Fireplace Fender
Located in New York, NY
Classical Victorian, Aesthetic Movement brass fireplace fender. The fender features two repeating brass rails, with decorative fluted ball spaces. late 19th century vintage, this e...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Antique English Victorian Solid Brass Flower Andirons
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful pair of brass flower antique andirons. Gorgeous style that blends perfectly with Hollywood Regency meets Aesthetic movement. Great scale for minimal fireplaces.
Mid-Cen...
Category
1920s Unknown Vintage Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
Pair 19th Century English Fireplace Tool Rests in Brass
Located in New York, NY
Sophisticated pair of brass fireplace tool rests in very good original condition, clean and ready to use. The architectural design of this chic set is predictive of the soon to arriv...
Category
Mid-19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Cast iron cross with Angels
Located in Branford, CT
Cast iron cross with Angels. Late 19th century.
H 47" W 27"
Category
1890s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale Two ‘Medieval’ Pattern Cast Iron Garden Benches
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser for Coalbrookdale. Two ‘Medieval’ pattern cast iron garden benches.
These particular models are ‘Medieval’ number 52 in the Coalbrookdale 1875 trade catalogue. I bought...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Lily Pad Pair of Aesthetic Movement Cast Iron Garden Benches by Coalbrookdale
Located in London, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron garden benches, known as the Lily pad design, with fine fern leaf detailing, and smaller Lily-style leaves to the angular legs.
Coalbrookdale ...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop & Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop and Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace with curvaceous mantle with gadrooned and dot details and a row of Japanese floral Insignias the ce...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Berlin Iron
19th Century Enamelled Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Le Scarabee Paris No 1
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
19th Century Enamelled Cast Iron Wood Burning Stove Le Scarabee Paris No 1
Beautifully made enamel cast iron wood burning stove, dating from 1860 /...
Category
Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Enamel, Iron
Faux Bois Bench
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
A charming garden accent, this cast iron faux Bois bench has been radically weathered to perfection. A testament to Janes, Beebe & Co foundry, one...
Category
1840s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Dr C Dresser Attri, 18 Cast Iron Floral Staircase Balustrades & the knurl post.
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser attributed for Colebrookdale Iron Works. A rare set of 18 Anglo-Japanese cast iron stair and/or balcony balustrades including the origi...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Haviland Limoges Aesthetic Movement Porcelain Planter C1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
Haviland Limoges Aesthetic Movement Porcelain Planter C1890
Measures- 7"H x 7"W x 7"D
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Porcelain
18th Century Polished Iron Fireback with "Royal Coat of Arms of France"
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your fireplace or kitchen back splash with this elegant antique fire back. Crafted in France circa 1750 and almost square in shape embellished with an arched top, the ornate...
Category
Mid-18th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Christopher Dresser Designed Minton & Co. Encaustic Tile
Located in Sharon, CT
Christopher Dresser designed geometric encaustic tile. Manufactured from 1870-85 by Minton and Company, Stoke upon Trent. Fully signed on bottom. A ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
Dr. C Dresser & Barnard, Bishop & Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement fireplace.
Located in London, GB
Barnard, Bishop, and Barnard & Dr C Dresser, with the original B, B, & B paper label to the back.
A rare Aesthetic Movement walnut fire surround, inset with four Linthorpe pottery c...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Walnut, Pottery
T. Elsley attri. Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert w. upper central peacock
Located in London, GB
Thomas Elsley attributed. A rare Aesthetic Movement brass fire insert with an upper central peacock and Japanese basket weave decoration around it. Each side is designed to display t...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Dr C Dresser for Benham & Froud. A pair of Aesthetic Movement brass fire dogs.
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser for Benham and Froud stamped mark. A pair of Aesthetic Movement brass fire dogs with sunflower heads on elegant shaped necks.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Antique Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Wood Sculpture Display Pedestal, Circa 1870
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Aesthetic Movement sculpture pedestal offers ebonized wood construction with found upper display over column having car...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
Mid-Century Cast Concrete English Garden Style Pots / Planters / Jardinieres - 2
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a pair of unique cast concrete planters. As one can see, one is significantly darker than the other. They most likely date to the 50s/60s. They are unmarked.
Category
Mid-20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete
A pair of bronze panels / gates from a bank C 1910.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair bronze panels from a bank C 1910. Would make a great entry for your home or wine cellar. Each gate / panel / door comprised of 9 turned bars within a picture rail style frame.
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Dr Christopher Dresser for Benham and Froud. A pair of brass fire dogs
Located in London, GB
C Dresser for Benham & Froud, a pair of brass fire implement rests.
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Pair of Early 20th Century Stained Glass Doors
Located in London, GB
Pair of early 20th century stained glass doors
Continental, early 20th century
Each door: Height 239cm, width 59cm (118cm when together), depth 9cm
T...
Category
Early 20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Stained Glass, Wood
Dr C Dresser, Important Aesthetic Movement Marble Fire Surround with Bull Rushes
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser. An important and probably unique Aesthetic movement black marble fire surround, with stylized bull rushes and floral incised g...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
19th Century Scottish Aesthetic Movement Polished Cast Iron Fireplace Insert
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A large masculine and flamboyant example of a 19th century Scottish Aesthetic movement cast iron fireplace insert. A large outer plate with recessed fielded panels hosts an off set p...
Category
1880s Scottish Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Mid Century Outdoor Garden Patio Porch Zinc Strap Iron Bench
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous galvanized iron bench from the middle of the last century. In excellent preserved condition, this bench sat mostly on an enclosed porch. Sturdy as the day it was made. No pa...
Category
1960s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Zinc
Neoclassical Pierced Reticulated Brass Fireplace Fender, circa 1885
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Simple yet elegant neoclassical revival fireplace fender in brass. Reticulated front and sides with arches at the corners which finials ador...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Monumental Large Concrete Trompe L'oeil Sculpture Ghost Handkerchief Planter
By Willy Guhl
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
An organic modern monumental sculptural concrete or cement handkerchief planter. Fabulous for either indoor or outdoor use, this vessel is very heavy and thick. The base is flat and ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Concrete, Cement
Thomas Jeckyll A rare Aesthetic Movement Walnut fire surround with butterfly's
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard Bishop and Barnard. A rare Aesthetic Movement Walnut fire surround, the mantel with molded edges and four ebonized panels incised with butterfly and bamboo stems and leaf...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Gothic Revival Brass Andirons Firedogs in the Style of Augustus Pugin
Located in New York, NY
Wonderful pair of solid brass Aesthetic Movement andirons in the manner of Augustus Pugin. Gothic arch bases, tapered columns with pyramid tops. Great original condition, original lo...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Good Quality Aesthetic Movement Brass Fire Fender with Turned Details & Finials
Located in London, GB
A good quality Aesthetic Movement brass fire fender with turned details and finials above, protective mesh to the lower part all stood on a solid brass plinth.
Category
1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Dr C Dresser Benham & Froud. An Aesthetic Movement brass fire bucket and shovel.
Located in London, GB
Dr C Dresser for Benham and Froud, stamped mark to base.
An Aesthetic Movement brass fire bucket and shovel with an organic whiplash handle, rising ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Wrought Iron
19th Century Hand Forged Iron Fireplace Tools 4 Piece Set
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous set of hand forged fireplace tools with holder. Shovel, log clamp and brush with original holder all with tons of patina. Will oil and cleanup upon request.
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
Aesthetic Movement Stained Glass Window
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An elegant English aesthetic movement stained glass window, circa 1890, the central arched panel depicting a classical maiden in a garden holding a garland of flowers. Evoking a sens...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Lead
19th Century Victorian Iron Aesthetic Manner Fire Grate Basket and Original Hood
Located in Edinburgh, GB
An original antique 19th century -Victorian wrought iron fire grate basket in the Aesthetic Manner with its original sweeping chimney hood. A high Cartouche shaped fire back with a c...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Victorian Figure Stained Glass Window Hanging
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An antique English stained glass window hanging of a Victorian figure circa 1880, beautifully handpainted to create a sense of depth and expression. Hang in a window or in front of a...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Lead
Late 19th Century Cast Iron Bird Bath
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
fleurdetroit presents for your consideration, this refined and delicate, iron birdbath with its wonderful cast motifs. It is the perfect accent for any g...
Category
1890s Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of Anglo-Japanese Cast Iron Fire Inserts by T Jeckyll
Located in London, GB
An Anglo-Japanese cast iron fire insert which shows strong design similarities between Thomas Jeckyll's work for BBB and E W Godwin for S S and S...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Aesthetic Movement Brass Fire Fender
Located in Queens, NY
English Aesthetic Movement brass fire fender with embossed scroll design.
Category
20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
2 Hispano Moorish Hinged Doors, 19th Century
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Magnificent pair of oak hining doors (saloon doors) from the 19th century Hispano Moorish style
The doors have a lock so it's possible to lock the doors....
Category
19th Century Spanish Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Oak
Victorian Bronze Faux Bamboo Fire Screen
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian bronze faux bamboo fire screen with wire mesh swivel center panel.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Christopher Dresser & Barnard, Bishop & Barnard Aesthetic Movement Fireplace
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A rare antique aesthetic movement fireplace circa 1880 made by Barnard, Bishop and Barnard, inset with four Linthorpe Pottery tiles designed by Christopher Dresser (1834-1904).
Beau...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic, Wood, Walnut
Edwardian Egret Fountain / Urn
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
fleurdetroit offers for your consideration, offering this fantastic cast-iron fountain featuring Swans in a tight ring around the basin.
In the style of the leading makers of the Edwardian garden ornament companies, this Cast iron egret fountain...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Dr Christopher Dresser for Coalbrookdale. An Aesthetic Movement cast iron fender
Located in London, GB
Dr Christopher Dresser for Coalbrookdale. An Aesthetic Movement cast iron fender with floral and pierced decoration.
Category
1870s Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Pair of Aesthetic Movement Cast Fire Inserts with Mintons Aesop's Fables Tiles
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll in the style of.
A rare pair of Aesthetic Movement cast iron fire inserts, each with twelve Minton tiles, printed in blue and white with comical designs by John Moyr-Smith from Aesop's Fables.
The designs Moyr Smith drew on these tiles are known as:-
The Dog and his shadow.
The Fox & the Goat.
The Hare and the Tortoise.
The Frogs Who Wished for a King.
The Wolf and the Lamb...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Aesthetic Movement walnut metamorphic oak coal box with Herons in a river scene.
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Walnut metamorphic oak coalbox. The handle when pulled back mechanically opens the two doors to the front, which has brass panels depicting Herons eating fish i...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Walnut
An Arts & Crafts Semi-Circular Wrought Fire Basket with Heart-Shaped finials
Located in London, GB
An Arts & Crafts semi-circular wrought-iron fire basket with heart-shaped finials. The railed basket with cone and heart-shaped finials that flank the arched fireback...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Aesthetic Movement Three-Tired Display Stand Hand-Painted Plates
By Aesthetic Movement
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning antique Aesthetic movement early 19th century three tired stand with hand-painted plates depictin...
Category
Early 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Porcelain, Hardwood
Pair of Minton Aesthetic Movement Tiled Jardinieres with Lily of the Valley
By Minton
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This pair of jardinieres is made of 19th century Mintons porcelain tiles which have been mounted into later constructed jardinieres. The tiles are all matching, each one decorated with lily of the valley floral motifs.
Beautifully detailed constructed beaded boxes, frame these Aesthetic Movement tiles...
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Porcelain
An Aesthetic Movement wrought iron and copper fire bucket with sunflower finials
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement wrought writhen iron and copper fire bucket, with sunflowers that form a part of the main iron frame coming down to form the r...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Aesthetic Movement building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement building and garden elements for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage building and garden elements created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include building and garden elements, decorative objects, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, iron and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement building and garden elements made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original building and garden elements, popular names associated with this style include Christopher Dresser, Benham & Froud, Coalbrookdale Foundry, and Thomas Jeckyll. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for building and garden elements differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $100 and tops out at $86,402 while the average work can sell for $3,417.