Skip to main content

Arts and Crafts Furniture

ARTS AND CRAFTS STYLE

Emerging in reaction to industrialization and mass production, the Arts and Crafts movement celebrated handcrafted design as a part of daily life. The history of Arts and Crafts furniture has roots in 1860s England with an emphasis on natural motifs and simple flourishes like mosaics and carvings. This work is characterized by plain construction that showcases the hand of the artisan.

The earliest American Arts and Crafts furniture dates back to the start of the 20th century. Designers working in this style in the United States initially looked to ideas put forth by The Craftsman, a magazine published by Wisconsin native Gustav Stickley, a furniture maker and founder of the Craftsman style. Stickley’s furniture was practical and largely free of ornament. His Craftsman style drew on French Art Nouveau as well as the work he encountered on his travels in England. There, the leading designers of the Arts and Crafts movement included William Morris, who revived historical techniques such as embroidery and printed fabrics in his furnishings, and Charles Voysey, whose minimal approach was in contrast to the ornamentation favored in the Victorian era.

American Arts and Crafts work would come to involve a range of influences unified by an elevation of traditional craftsmanship. The furniture was often built from sturdy woods like oak and mahogany while featuring details such as inlaid metal, tooled leather and ceramic tiles. The style in the United States was led by Stickley, whose clean-lined chairs and benches showcased the grain of the wood, and furniture maker Charles Rohlfs, who was informed by international influences like East Asian and French Art Nouveau design.

Hubs in America included several utopian communities such as Rose Valley in Pennsylvania and the Byrdcliffe Arts and Crafts Colony in New York, where craftspeople made furniture that prioritized function over any decoration. Their work would influence designers and architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, who built some of the most elegant and iconic structures in the United States and likewise embraced a thoughtful use of materials in his furniture.

Find antique Arts and Crafts chairs, tables, cabinets and other authentic period furniture on 1stDibs.

to
89
613
176
810
2,295
810
361
214
191
189
172
144
108
101
81
67
67
48
23
22
17
16
41
871
4,377
1,150
3,146
604
289
810
288
253
152
51
72
70
70
32
28
447
362
312
124
109
593
475
401
122
119
810
810
810
60
28
20
16
15
Style: Arts and Crafts
Period: Early 1900s
Art Nouveau WMF Copper Wall Plate with Floral Relief, Germany circa 1900
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking copper wall plate was crafted by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) around 1900, during the height of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements. The design fe...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Metal, Copper

A pair of Arts and crafts ladder back chairs early 1900’s England
Located in London, GB
Pair of Arts and Crafts Ladderback Chairs with Rush Seats English 19th Century Design This pair of English Arts and Crafts ladderback chairs, dating from the late 19th century, bea...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Rush, Wood

Arts & Crafts Carved Side Table by Liberty of London, 1905
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Arts & Crafts carved side table. Retailed by Liberty of London. Striking English design from the 1900s. Carved fruitwood base with original carved top with decor...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

An ARTS & CRAFTS / ART NOUVEAU Wardrobe CABINET by HARRIS LEBUS, England 1900
Located in PARIS, FR
A large wardrobe cabinet, superb wood vertical structure enhanced by beautiful geometric ornaments, with 1 central mirrored door opening on 3 hanging systems and one major drawer at ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Wood

Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau One-Door Cabinet, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau one-door cabinet. Design by H.P. Mutters & Zoon Den Haag. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with original hand-carved dec...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Brass

Narrow Arts & Crafts Hall Table
Located in Greenwich, CT
A very narrow Arts & Crafts hall table in attractive quartersawn oak with drop leaves having a raised molded edge to the perimeter top surface supported on curved moveable end bracke...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Arts & Crafts Oak 15-Drawer Filing Cabinet or Apothecary Cabinet, 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Arts & Crafts 15-drawer card catalog, file cabinet, or apothecary cabinet USA, Early 20th Century Oak, with original iron hardware. Measures: 52.63"...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Arts & Crafts Oak 15-Drawer Architect's Blueprint Flat File Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Arts & Crafts 15-drawer architect's blueprint flat file cabinet, map file, or art cabinet In the manner of Globe Wernicke USA...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Brass

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard or Bar Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with mirrored backsplash, and or...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Arts & Crafts Wall Mirror with Hand-Carved Frogs by Kobus de Graaff, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Arts & Crafts wall mirror. Design by Kobus de Graaff. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak frame with three original hand-carved frogs. Original...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak

1900's Antique Bradley & Hubbard Mission Green Slag and Cast Iron Lamp
Located in Louisville, KY
If you're a Mission period enthusiast or looking for that Arts and Crafts piece that finishes the room off with an interesting vibe, this is your lamp. Designed and crafted by Bradley & Hubbard in the early 1900's, this Mission style lamp...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Pair of Bronze Arts and Crafts Chandeliers w Steuben Aurene Glass Shades 4 Light
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Amazingly beautiful pair of Arts and Crafts Mission style Bronze chandeliers with Steuben Aurene glass shades. Each chandelier is fitted with 4 lights with absolutely stunning shades...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Iron

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Cellarette or Bar Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique Mission or Arts & Crafts cellarette or bar cabinet By Lifetime Furniture USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardware and pull-out ...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

An Arts and Crafts tall oak bureau bookcase with leaded glass doors
Located in London, GB
An Arts and Crafts tall oak bureau bookcase with leaded glass doors to the top and a shelf below and a small fold down writing area with further adjustable bookshelves below giving v...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Occasional Side Table, 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak occasional side table By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 20"W x 18"D x 18.88"H. Very good original vinta...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Gustav Stickley Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Extension Dining Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak extension dining table By Gustav Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 53.5"W x 53.5"D x 29.88"H. Extends up ...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Arts & Crafts Tiger Oak 11-Drawer Library Card Catalog File Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A rare and exceptional antique Arts & Crafts tiger oak 11-drawer stacking library card catalog file cabinet By Library Bureau Sole Makers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn tiger oak, w...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Brass

C F A Voysey. A rare Arts and Crafts 12' x 6' full size oak snooker table
Located in London, GB
C F A Voysey. A rare Arts and Crafts 12' x 6' full size oak snooker table in outstanding original condition, made by Thurston and Company. London. With eight tapering legs and subtle...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Stickley Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Umbrella Stand, Circa 1900
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts oak umbrella stand In the manner of Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 9.75"W x 9.5"D x 26.25"H. Good original vintage condition.
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Arts & Crafts Spade Back Chair
Located in Oakland, CA
Fumed oak finish spade back side chair, nice carving accent details on various areas of the chair. The finish is a very dark brown - black fumed oak with lighter areas from use and a...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Exceptional Rocking Chair by Thonet
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This old authentic rocking chair was designed Michael Thonet and manufactured by Thonet. It was in the catalogue of 1904. It is a design classic. This dark brown rocking chair is in very good vintage condition with normal signs of age and use. The chair is stamped. Take your chance to get this Thonet collector’s item. Michael Thonet (1796-1871) was a German-Austrian cabinet maker, known for the invention of bentwood furniture, which ment the beginning of Modern Design. Le Corbusier used Thonet chairs...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Bentwood

Arts & Crafts Patinated Brass Mantel Clock by Sneltjes Haarlem, 1905
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Arts & Crafts mantel clock. Design by Sneltjes Haarlem. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Patinated brass case with Arts & Crafts numerals on the dial. This ...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Brass

Liberty & Co C F A Voysey style Arts & Crafts oak mantle clock with floral inlay
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. London. An Arts and Crafts oak mantle clock with floral inlay. The dome top and architectural style of the design of this clock point ...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

An Arts and Crafts brass hand hammered mirror with four Celtic style details
Located in London, GB
An Arts and Crafts brass hand hammered mirror with four Celtic style details and bevelled mirror.
Category

Early 1900s Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Brass

Bretby. An Arts and Crafts green planter and stand both stamped Bretby.
Located in London, GB
Bretby. An Arts and Crafts green planter and stand both stamped Bretby. The bowl is perfect, the stand has a chip to the top and a hairline crack through one upright but it is comple...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Ceramic

Carl Deffner. Germany. An Arts & Crafts copper chamber stick candle holder
Located in London, GB
Carl Deffner. Esslingen. Germany. An Arts & Crafts copper chamber stick candle holder with a single flower bud made up of four leaves with a wavy base and double circular handle with...
Category

Early 1900s German Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Sideboard or Cabinet
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period sideboard, buffet server, or bar cabinet In the manner of Stickley Brothers By Grand Rapids Bookcase and Chair Co. USA, Circa 19...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak

L&JG Stickley Open Bookcase with Chamfered Board Back (2 Available)
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
L&JG Stickley open bookcase with chamfered board back and tenon & key construction c1906-1912. Stickley is a furniture brand that offers both Arts and Crafts and Mission-style furni...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Lifetime Furniture Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk or Library Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By Lifetime Furniture USA, Circa 1900 Beautiful quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardw...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Arts and Crafts Oak Blanket Chest, English, Circa 1900
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful oak chest or box. This is a very special piece. The best quality of cabinet making and the finest choice of timber. Probably made in the Cotswolds, England The hinges ar...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Alexander Ritchie of Iona style. A large hand hammered heavy gage copper planter
Located in London, GB
Alexander Ritchie of Iona style. A large hand hammered heavy gage copper planter with Celtic dragons chased around the top inset with glass bulls eye...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Liberty & Co. an English Arts & Crafts Oak Bookcase, with Shaped Upper Details
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co. An English Arts & Crafts oak bookcase, with shaped upper details. to the top, leaded glass door to the cupboard, and three open adjustable shelves below, retaining its ...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Manner of E Gimson. A set of three lovely quality oak ladderback dining chairs
Located in London, GB
Manner of E Gimson. A set of three lovely quality Arts and Crafts oak ladderback dining or side chairs with hand sculptured ladders to the back and retaining the original rush seats....
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Pair of Signed Tiffany Studios Bronze Candlesticks w/ Blown Holders, ca. 1905
Located in Petaluma, CA
A very tall and elegant pair of bronze and blown green glass by the most respected maker of lamps and accessories of his time, Tiffany Studios. Properly signed on the underside of t...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Limbert Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Pedestal Extension Dining Table
Located in South Bend, IN
An outstanding Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak pedestal extension dining table By Limbert USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 54"W x 54"D x 29.13"H. Extends up to 76"W with...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Grueby Faience St George and the Dragon Tile
Located in Riverdale, NY
Grueby Faience St George and the Dragon Tile circa 1905. Vibrantly colored glazed earthenware circa 1905. Lovely period example.
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Earthenware

An Arts & Crafts / Art Nouveau cast iron fireplace with stylized floral details
Located in London, GB
The Victor. An Arts and Crafts Glasgow Style period cast iron fireplace, the mantle with scalloped details to the edges. The main body with a central upper stylised floral seed pod ...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Iron

Shapland and Petter. A good Arts and Crafts oak hall stand
Located in London, GB
A good Arts and Crafts oak Hall stand by Shapland and Petter with a seat to the left and a mirror and glove drawer to the right, the lower section with Shaplands typical square shape...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Mirror, Oak

Early 20th Century Irish Donegal Arts & Crafts Carpet
Located in New York, NY
Early 20th Century Irish Donegal Arts & Crafts Carpet 13'3" x 14' - 404 x 427
Category

Early 1900s Irish Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Wool

Arts & Crafts One-Door Armoire or Wardrobe Onder den Sint Maarten Style, 1900s
By Onder den Sint Maarten
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Arts & Crafts one-door armoire or wardrobe. Design in the style of Onder den Sint Maarten. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with original bra...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Brass

Arts & Crafts Oak Record Cabinet with Slide Out Drawers for Holding, 1978
Located in London, GB
A rare Arts & Crafts oak record cabinet for holding 1978 (LP's do not fit into this cabinet but singles do). With a roll up door retaining the original key ...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique American Robert Mitchell Carved Chinoiserie Savonarola Dragon Chair 1900
Located in Portland, OR
A very rare antique American carved Savanarola dragon chair, by Robert Mitchell, circa 1900. This most unusual chair by Robert Mitchell (formerly Mitchell...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Arts & Crafts Carved Mahogany Umbrella & Cane Holder
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous carved and paint decorated in the Arts & Crafts manner. Copper bottom with cutouts on all four sides. This item can be parcel posted. Feet to keep it elevated. In excellent ...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Stickley Brothers Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Desk, Newly Refinished
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table with built-in bookcases By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak, with hammered copper h...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Cabinet with Serving Tray, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and elegant Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau cabinet with serving tray. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with original yellow colored glass in the two doors wit...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Brass

Limbert Style Antique Mission Oak Arts & Crafts Nightstand or Side Table
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts oak nightstand or occasional side table In the manner of Charles P. Limbert Co. USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 12"W x 10.25"D x 26.25"H. Go...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique Early c. 1904 Stickley Brothers 2-Door Bookcase - W8405 SALE 20% SALE
Located in Shamokin Dam, PA
Antique Early c. 1902 Stickley Brothers 2-Door Bookcase - This is a rare Stickley Brothers 2-door Bookcase from 1902 This was a period in the business when they were making great qu...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Iron

Jesson Birkett, attributed. A rare Arts and Crafts copper fireside log box
By Jesson Birkett & Co. 1
Located in London, GB
The front displays three hand worked flowers with electric blue Ruskin ceramic jewels inset behind the flower heads. Each flower panel is riveted into arched frames and separated by ...
Category

Early 1900s British Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Antique Arts & Crafts Solid Oak Stacking Map Cabinet With Deep Drawers
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Rare Arts & Crafts Stacking Map Cabinet with Multiple drawers. Beautifully constructed from solid Oak and with the original brass pulls ...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Antique New Williams Arts & Crafts Leather Treadle Belt Sewing Machine Cum Table
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
Under-appreciated but exceptionally made Antique New Williams Company treadle sewing machine with leather belt and working mechanism. Inside it ...
Category

Early 1900s Canadian Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Metal

Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Pedestal, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Stunning and rare Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau pedestal. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with original solid oak top with hand-carved elements. Measurements top: 30...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

Liberty and Co. An Arts & Crafts copper mirror with a cloudy blue Ruskin Jewel
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. An Arts and Crafts copper mirror with a cloudy blue Ruskin Jewel to the top and Glasgow rose decoration to each side.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Kerfschnitt Wall Cabinet, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and rare Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau wall cabinet. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid fruitwood base with original hand-carved so-called kerfschnitt decorative ele...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Fruitwood

Lee and Bunnell, Westport Lounge Chair, Wood, USA, 1900s
Located in High Point, NC
An early production painted wood "Westport" lounge chair designed by Thomas Lee in 1903 for his summer home in Westport, NY and produced by carpenter Harry Bunnell c. 1905. With make...
Category

Early 1900s American Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Wood

Antique Bohemian Schwarzlot Glass Beaker, Josef Lenhardt, c.1900 Hunting Scene
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Elegant antique Bohemian glass beaker, finely executed in clear glass and decorated in the Schwarzlot (black enamel) technique. This exceptional ...
Category

Early 1900s Czech Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass

Oak Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau Coat Rack Attributed to A.J. Kropholler, 1900s
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Wonderful and rare Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau coat rack. Attributed to A.J. Kropholler. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with five original bronze hooks. Please not...
Category

Early 1900s Dutch Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Bronze

E A Taylor Attr Wylie & Lochhead Arts & Crafts Four-Piece Mahogany Bedroom Suite
Located in London, GB
E A Taylor attributed made by Wylie & Lochhead of Glasgow. An Arts & Crafts four-piece mahogany bedroom suite consisting of double wardrobe, dr...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Arts & Crafts Stick Back Windsor Chair Heals of London
Located in London, GB
Antique English Arts & Crafts Stick Back Windsor Chair, Heals Of London Oak construction circa 1900 Very good condition commensurate of age.
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Oak

ANTiQUE 1900 ARTS & CRAFTS SHAPLAND AND PETTER HALL COAT GLOVE UMBRELLA STAND
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Arts & Crafts Shapland & Petter Hall stand with hand hammered Copper panels over a Walnut frame with inset sheild mirror 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 A very good looking well made and decorative hat glove coat and scarf rack, this one is rare as it has the central mirror and its an earlier than usual example circa 1900 Made by Shapland & Petter, a full blub on their life and works can be found below In terms of the condition it is straight and solid, the piece sits well in any setting and looks decorative and very English country house, we have cleaned waxed and polished the timber, there is one hook slightly bent, otherwise its in fine order Dimensions Height:- 205cm Width:- 113cm Depth:- 40cm Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point, if you would like any additional or specific measurements please ask Shapland and Petter of Barnstaple Introduction This Barnstaple based company manufactured some of the finest pieces of furniture in Arts and Crafts style but very little has been written about the company or the pieces they produced. It a great shame that whilst Shapland and Petter pieces have been illustrated in books and auction catalogues they are invariably attributed to other makers such as Liberty and Co in London or Wylie and Lochhead in Glasgow. With this feature, we intend to inspire a more thorough appreciation of the work of the company; readers are invited to help with the task by sending photographs and information. Collectors and auction houses are now showing significantly more interest in Shapland and Petter pieces. The company, based in Barnstaple, England produced a very wide range of furniture in several different styles including many pieces in period reproduction and municipal style for town halls and commercial premises alongside their superb Arts and Crafts range Distinctive features of their superb Arts and Crafts style are the use of heart shaped piercing, geometric shapes with angled arches and the application of repousse copper panels. Decoration with marquetry, metal inlay, mounting of ceramic and enamel cabochons were techniques which they mastered with a combination of state of the art technology and traditional craftsmanship. Most distinctively, the pieces were extremely well made, with care and very best quality materials The growing interest in Shapland and Petter has raised many questions about the origins of the firm, and the sources of influence on their designs, some of which resemble designs by Ashbee, Ballie Scott, Voysey and Talwin Morris. Links have been assumed with Liberty and Co with the supposition Shapland and Petter worked on commissions for Liberty. There appears to be little evidence to support many of the assumptions which have developed around the company and this article is intended to help to start the discussion and to stimulate research The History of Shapland and Petter The Museum of North Devon in Barnstaple have an archive of Shapland and Petter which includes some company records and a small display of furniture and related items. The following text gives history of the company and is reproduced from the display boards in the museum with kind permission of North Devon Museums For over 100 years the Shapland and Petter factory has stood at the end of Barnstaple Long Bridge. Manufacturers of doors, door sets, and custom wood interiors, NT Shapland and Petter Ltd are still one of the towns largest employers. The company was established by Henry Shapland (b. 1823), a cabinet maker by trade. He embarked on a voyage to America in 1848, where he was inspired by an invention for a wave-moulding machine. He was only allowed to see it if he left the country immediately. Returning home with only rough notes, he reproduced the machine and in 1854 began a cabinet making business in one room at the Raleigh woolen mill in Pilton. Later the firm moved to Bear Street in Barnstaple. Henry Petter was an accountant who entered into partnership with Mr Shapland. The business progressed and in 1864 they bought the Raleigh Factory where Shapland first began his work. Success was rapid, but in 1888 the building burnt down. Immediately work began on a bigger and better factory - their present site by the Long Bridge - which included many modern inventions The two Henrys died within two years of each other - Petter in 1907 and Shapland in 1909. In 1924 Shapland and Petter merged with the Barnstaple Cabinet Company, producing North Devon's biggest industry. During the First World War Shapland and Petter's skilled craftsmen turned their hands to wooden propellers for the aircraft of the Royal Flying Corps. After the war, public tastes changed, and hand carved furniture was too expensive for many. Shapland and Petter's output now included elegant veneered pieces with smooth Art Deco lines. The company fitted out Pullman carriages and ocean liners and made hand-carved church furniture. The famous England Rugby Captain W. W. Wakefield was appointed Company Director in 1927. Throughout the depression of the late 1920's and early 1930's the company still managed to produce high quality work Furniture manufacturing continued until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. Many workers left to fight, while the factory worked on Air Ministry contracts for ammunition boxes. After the war came radio cabinets and laboratory and contract furniture, until eventually large quantities of doors were being produced for hospitals, hotels, schools, offices and other buildings. Examples of Shapland and Petter's work can be seen all over North Devon. In Barnstaple, the shop front at 109 High Street is a good example, and the interior of the old Lloyd's Bank, now Chamber's Brasserie, was also Shapland's work. Examples of carving by Shapland's men can be seen in two chairs and a reading desk in Barnstaple Parish Church As cabinet makers, Shapland and Petter employed up to 350 people at a time. There were designers, carvers, cabinet makers, machinists, polishers, and labourers. The company was one of the first to install American labour-saving devices and was keen to adopt the most up-to-date machinery The fire of 1888 at the Raleigh Cabinet Works was a huge loss for the company. However, it resulted in a new factory which was altogether more modern and better equipped. The new building by the river was arranged into blocks. The production line began with the saw mills and ended with the finishing rooms. There was modern machinery in every department - one of their saws was the first of its kind in Britain. Water sprinklers and electric lights were a necessity - this factory would not burn down As well as the furniture production, Shapland and Petter imported timber by sea and rail. The new factory 's facilities were exceptional Shapland and Petter were renowned for excellent design and workmanship. The carvers were highly skilled, serving seven year apprenticeships and attending classes at the Barnstaple School of Art. Ornately carved furniture required up to a hundred tools The factory produced made to order woodwork for banks, hotels, and shops; mantelpieces, paneling and staircases. They fitted out Pullman railway carriages, the London Guildhall, and Edgar Wallace 's dining room as well as houses like Tapeley Park in North Devon Much of the work involved intricate leaded glass panels, or inlaid fruitwood designs, like the white bedroom suite shown in the exhibition here. This type of work is typical of Art Nouveau 1895 to 1910, inspired by the fluid shapes of plants and flowers Many pieces were made from standard designs. There were hundreds to choose from, and a selection could be seen in local and London showrooms and in catalogues. Although mass-produced, this furniture was well-made by skilled technicians and modern machinery Arts and Crafts designs of Shapland and Petter The development of the Arts and Crafts Movement in the South West of England has not been written up in any detail though we do know of the Art Potters of Barnstaple from the excellent book of this name by Audrey Edgeler. Less is known of the Barnstaple Guild of Metal Workers. We know of the Bath Cabinet Makers and the Newlyn School of Industrial Art in Cornwall but very little has been written about the furniture makers of Barnstaple in Devon The establishment of a large cabinet making firm in Barnstaple is not remarkable in itself; there were several cabinet makers in the area. What is interesting is that this particular Barnstaple firm should become a leading maker of Arts and Crafts furniture, copying the styles of the leading Architect designers and creating their own unique style Critics may point out that as their work was commercially driven and reliant upon machines it therefore does not really qualify as Arts and Crafts. Whilst the company was highly innovative in machine technology, they also employed many craftsmen who worked with their hands in woodcarving, marquetry work, design and application of decorative copperwork and other artistic embellishment in the true Arts and Crafts tradition. Anyone who has experience of Shapland and Petter workmanship knows the level of craftsmanship invested in each piece Sources of inspiration There appears to be no evidence to link any known architect, artist or designer to the Shapland and Petter company. Their designs appear to have been created solely by their own internal design staff none of whom appear to have published or registered their work in any other context C. R. Ashbee who established the Guild of Handicrafts visited Barnstaple in 1893 and provided a twelve week course on the design and decoration of furniture. It is presumed that this visit was hosted by Shapland and Petter, and that their own staff and those from other local furniture makers attended the course. Ashbee appears to have been unimpressed by the commercial attitudes he encountered and apparently disappointed at the lack of interest in his (high minded) lectures. What is interesting however is the similarity between some of his designs and those used by Shapland and Petter, particularly in respect to inlaid floral design. Perhaps he left a lasting influence which has not yet been verified There has been some speculation on the influence of Scottish designers, particularly because of the use of Glasgow rose designs which are typical of the Glasgow School, and particularly of Talwin Morris. There are also several designs which use similar motifs to those used by Baillie Scott, the use of two doves in flight for example. More research is needed to trace possible links here. One thing that is clear is that there was a great deal of copying and selling designs in the furniture industry at the time and a nineteenth century survey on the furniture trade recorded that '' Barnstaple pays the best prices for designs ..'' Collaboration with other companies There is evidence that Shapland and Petter organised a wide network of companies to retail their products and hence many pieces have the labels of retail furnishers added. Little is known of their marketing in Europe and America but it may be that many Arts and Crafts pieces were sold abroad. Shapland and Petter had excellent access to rail and shipping lines for importing timber and presumably for exporting their finished products The extent of their collaboration with other companies is yet to be ascertained but there is evidence that their suppliers included the Della Robbia Pottery, Pilkingtons Tile...
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Copper

Leather Upholstered Brass Club Fender This is a stylish piece
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Leather Upholstered Brass Club Fender This is a stylish piece, it is made in brass the seats are upholstered in Golden tan leather, it has a low curved rail at the centre front The...
Category

Early 1900s Antique Arts and Crafts Furniture

Materials

Brass

Arts And Crafts furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Arts and Crafts furniture 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 furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, lighting, seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Arts and Crafts furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and North America pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Liberty & Co., Merve Kahraman, Tiffany Studios, and Hachi Collections. 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 furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $49 and tops out at $425,000 while the average work can sell for $1,872.

Recently Viewed

View All