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
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
Aesthetic Movement Bronze Andirons in Christopher Dresser Style
Located in Sharon, CT
Pair of large (22") cast bronze andirons constructed of multiple Aesthetic Movement devices.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Thomas Jeckyll, Aesthetic Movement Fire Insert, Made by Barnard Bishop & Barnard
Located in London, GB
Thomas Jeckyll. An Aesthetic Movement cast iron fire insert with stylized flower details.
Made by Barnard Bishop and Barnard of Norwich.
This insert takes ten standard 6 inch squar...
Category
Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
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
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
Wrought iron Aesthetic style 19th Century Andirons or firedogs made in England
Located in London, GB
This pair of 19th-century andirons, crafted in England from wrought iron, is a beautiful and functional addition to any fireplace. With their robust construction and timeless design, they serve both as practical tools and as pieces that add historical charm to your hearth. The wrought iron showcases the craftsmanship of the era, with elegant detailing that complements traditional or rustic interiors. Despite their age, these andirons remain in good, usable condition, making them a functional choice while enhancing the character of your fireplace.
The age-related wear on these andirons adds a unique patina, highlighting their long history and giving them a distinct character. The weathered iron, with its slight imperfections, tells a story of use over many years, making them a perfect conversation piece. Whether you're an antique collector or simply looking to add a touch of period elegance to your fireplace, these 19th-century andirons bring a sense of authenticity and charm that newer pieces can’t replicate.
For those searching for "antique English andirons...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
Lot of Four Decorative Sandstone Building Fragments Garden Ornaments 1880/1920s
Located in New York, NY
Group of four sandstone building fragments - each having a block form base with organic wave like crests. Probably from a turn of the century brownstone, these salvaged blocks will m...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Sandstone
Henry W Batley Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Pedestal Stand with Carved Sunflowers
By Collinson & Lock, Henry William Batley
Located in London, GB
Henry W Batley attributed. Probably for Collinson and Lock.
An Aesthetic Movement ebonized pedestal base with a central pillar adorned on all four sides with carved sunflowers in a s...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Walnut
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
Dr C Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box with stylized brass panels
Located in London, GB
Dr Christopher Dresser. An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box on shaped feat set at an angle with a stylized decorative brass panel designed perfectly to shovel your coal. With origi...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Walnut
Dr C Dresser Attri, Aesthetic Movement Walnut Coal Scuttle with Stylized Mounts
Located in London, GB
Dr. C Dresser attributed. Made by Benham and Froud.
An Aesthetic movement walnut coal scuttle with applied chrome-plated stylized carry handle and foliate decorative mounts and a side holster to hold a coal shovel.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Chrome
Pr. English Fireplace Tool Rests
Located in New York, NY
Pr. solid brass tool stands, designed to hold fireplace tools, shovel, poker etc. Very decorative, well made, clean original condition.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
$375 / set
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
Danier Cottier (style of). An Aesthetic Movement dark oak coal box
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement dark oak coal box in the style of Daniel Cottier. With all over shallow carved floral decoration.
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Oak
Dr C Dresser for Benham and Froud. A Scarce Aesthetic Movement Oak Coal Box.
Located in London, GB
A rare Aesthetic Movement oak coal box designed by Dr Christopher Dresser, made by Benham and Froud with stylized brass handles retaining it's original liner and coal shovel...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
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
Benham & Froud Brass Fire Dogs Christopher Dresser Attributed
Located in Sharon, CT
Pair of period Aesthetic Movement Fire Dogs, design attributed to Christopher Dresser. Manufactured by Benham & Froud, both signed with the cyp...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
Aesthetic Movement Victorian Fireplace Tongs
Located in New York, NY
Very executed fireplace tool (tongs) with cast brass, or bronze top and iron rod arms. The top section shows Classic Aesthetic Movement decoration, early Modernist style, late 19th c...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass, Iron
Thomas Elsley & Co. An Aesthetic Movement cast iron fireplace style of T Jeckyll
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement cast iron fireplace with peacock feathers to the centre and two love birds just below flanked by Sunflowers. Made by Thomas Elsley the design attributed to Thom...
Category
Late 19th Century Great Britain (UK) Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
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
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
1880s Branford Vernacular Passage Doorknob Set Qty Available
Located in New York, NY
These two-fold Vernacular doorknobs were made by Branford in the 1881 catalog. It is part of the F-20100 group. The ornate brass rosettes are newly made. The rosette mounting screws ...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
1880s Nashua Vernacular Brass Passage Doorknob Set
Located in New York, NY
Antique eight-fold Vernacular brass doorknob set made by Nashua in the 1886 catalog. It is part of the K-21000 group. The original mounting screws are not available. Priced as two do...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
1870s Polished Brass 8-Fold Passage Doorknob Set Qty Available
Located in New York, NY
These Vernacular door knobs were made by Hopkins & Dickinson in the 1879 catalog. It is part of the K-21300 group. The ornate brass rosettes are newly made. The rosette mounting scre...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
19th Century English Regency Tole Coal Hod Labeled Henry Loveridge
Located in Charleston, SC
The coal hod is stamped "H. LOVERIDGE & CO WOLVERHAMPTON". This design of coal scuttle "SAXON" is based on a medieval stool published in the Loveridge catalogue in the 1890s. The cam...
Category
19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron, Tôle
Large Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Hand Wrought Black Iron Andirons
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Large Aesthetic Movement Hand Wrought Black Iron Andirons 28” Tall By 22” deep and 16” wide. Each andiron is one piece. Great condition with just s...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wrought Iron
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
Pair of Cast Iron Aesthetic Doorknob Rosettes, Early 20th C.
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th century cast iron Aesthetic style doorknob rosettes. The patinas vary slightly because one has a nickel finish and the other has an antique bronze finish. Priced as a pair...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Brass Aesthetic Movement Christopher Dresser Fire Dogs A
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Brass Aesthetic Movement Christopher Dresser Fire Dogs
A Pair of Brass Aesthetic Movement Fire Dogs Designed by Dr Christopher Dresser, a fi...
Category
1880s Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
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
Set of Aesthetic Movement Brass Fire Tools
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Smart set of Aesthetic Movement fire tools with engraved decoration circa 1880.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Brass
$1,185 / set
Large pair of Victorian Arts & Crafts Iron Andirons Fire Dogs
By Richard Norman Shaw
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Unusal large pair of hand wrought Iron and steel Arts & Crafts andirons in good original condition. Dating to the late 19th Century they are very much in the manner of Aesthetic Mov...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Old Hand Painted "Fish" Tiles
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
nr. 1647 - Pair of antique "fish " tiles, hand painted under plaze. They were glued to the wall to embelish houses and gardens: I did it too at the seaside.
I have other ones, that ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Azerbaijani Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Ceramic
$586 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Early-Mid 20th Century English Cast Stone Garden Gnome
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
English early-mid 20th century cast stone garden gnome. A plump faced gnome with watering can tending his plants. Old loss to the tip of his hat. Condition commensurate with age & pu...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Cast Stone
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.
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