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.
to
11
49
39
87
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
2,932
2,174
1,489
1,332
957
827
797
786
505
495
466
312
300
249
146
139
124
99
1
71
15
2
9
4
2
1
1
1
60
36
19
18
11
57
48
38
20
19
89
89
89
11
6
5
4
4
Style: Aesthetic Movement
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
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
Thomas Jeckyll Register Stove Front Grate
Located in London, GB
A black-iron Thomas Jeckyll register stove front grate front from the foundry of Barnard, Bishop and Barnards. The full surround with asymmetric floral design, roundels with four bee...
Category
1870s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
Antique Fireside Pole Screen, English, Height Adjustable, Aesthetic, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique fireside pole screen. An English, ebonised mahogany and papier-mâché height adjustable heat reflector, dating to the Aesthetic period, circa 1880.
Charmingly dec...
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Wood
French Set of 4 Majolica Flowers Tiles, circa 1890
Located in Austin, TX
French set of 4 Majolica flowers tile, circa 1890.
6' by 6" , The four tiles 12' by 12".
Category
1890s French Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Faience
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
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
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
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
An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement walnut coal box with turned finials and a row of brass turnings to the back and applied brass florets. The sides with carved floral de...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Walnut
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
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
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
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
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
Tôle, Iron
Antique Aesthetic Movement Carved Walnut Sculpture Display Pedestal Circa 1890
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Aesthetic Movement sculpture pedestal offers walnut construction with beveled rectangular display over turned column ha...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Walnut
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
Aesthetic Period Kilkenny Marble Fireplace Inset with Minton Tiles
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic period Kilkenny marble fireplace inset with Minton tiles, removed the Cornish home of the celebrated British novelist John Le Carré. The fossil stone surround with stop...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Marble
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
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
Bronze Figural Sundial by Robert Ingersoll Aitken
Located in Katonah, NY
A bronze figural sundial with satyr figure by American sculptor Robert Ingersoll Aitken (1878-1949), the satyr holding a large stylized shell while crouched beneath it, the shell top...
Category
1910s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Bronze
Coalbrookdale Passion flower pattern 'Lovers' seat.
Located in Alton, GB
A beautiful reproduction of a Coalbrookdale Passion flower pattern alloy garden seat circa 1970. Rare and interesting, this fabulous 'Passion flower' lovers seat, unlike its Victoria...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Aluminum
Coalbrookdale Nasturtium pattern cast iron garden seat
Located in Alton, GB
A beautiful Coalbrookdale Nasturtium pattern cast iron garden seat circa 1870. Rare and interesting, this fabulous Nasturtium chair shown was listed as seat number 44 in the Coalbroo...
Category
Late 19th Century European Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Iron
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
Set of Four Aesthetic Movement Victorian Windows
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A set of four aesthetic movement engraved gall windows in original wood frames. The window panes with birds, insects and spider web, The wood frames with old layers of paint. These p...
Category
1870s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Glass, Wood
Brass Aesthetic Movement Christopher Dresser Fire Dogs A
Located in Chillerton, 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
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
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
Aesthetic Movement Antique Chimneypiece in Pencil Statuary Marble
Located in London, GB
An elegant and large Aesthetic Movement, bordering on Reformed Gothic, antique fireplace surround in Pencil Statuary Marble with a wide moulded shelf. The main body of the fireplace,...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Building and Garden Elements
Materials
Statuary Marble
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
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.