Fine Pair of Blue Glaze Lamps for Liberty & Co
View Similar Items
Fine Pair of Blue Glaze Lamps for Liberty & Co
About the Item
- Creator:Liberty & Co. (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Diameter: 4.34 in (11 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Power Source:Plug-in
- Lampshade:Not Included
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1890
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU957334536042
Liberty & Co.
Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, shoppers of the late 19th century knew it as Liberty & Co. — purveyors of fine silverware designed in the Art Nouveau style, Arts and Crafts-style furniture and an eclectic assortment of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and other goods from around the world.
British merchant Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded Liberty & Co. in 1875. Liberty dreamed of selling an assortment of fine wares he obtained in the Far East from a ship docked in the middle of one of London’s busiest shopping thoroughfares. However, he could only manage to borrow £2,000 from his father-in-law, so he settled for a small shop on Regent Street.
What began as a modest business grew exponentially over the next few years, and, by 1890, Liberty & Co. occupied most of Regent Street. Meanwhile, Liberty forged relationships with many British Art Nouveau artists and designers who were keen to work with one of the most prestigious retailers in London.
In 1899, Liberty & Co. hosted an exhibition showcasing a collection of silver pieces designed by notable silversmiths like Oliver Barker, Albert Edward Jones and Bernard Cuzner. A line of silverware called Cymric also debuted and was produced in partnership with silversmith W. H. Haseler of Birmingham and Liberty & Co.’s chief designer, Manx artist Archibald Knox. The innovative Cymric collection featured a blend of Art Nouveau with traditional Celtic style, including such pieces as candlesticks, spoons, bowls, tableware and jewelry.
Liberty & Co. also had a furniture workshop in Archway, London, run by Lawrence Turner and which employed carpenters to produce handcrafted, Arts and Crafts-style armchairs, stools, bookcases, cabinets, side tables and other furniture. Most of these high-quality and durable pieces were made of solid wood such as oak, mahogany and walnut. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty & Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid.
Liberty died in 1917, and Liberty & Co. became Liberty of London after relocating to their iconic location on Great Marlborough Street in 1924. Ironically, the imposing Tudor Revival building is constructed from the timbers of two decommissioned British Navy ships — realizing Liberty’s original “ship-store” dream.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Liberty & Co. serveware, seating and decorative objects.
More From This Seller
View All21st Century and Contemporary English Table Lamps
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century Chinese Table Lamps
Ceramic
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Table Lamps
Glass, Cut Glass
21st Century and Contemporary English Table Lamps
Pottery
21st Century and Contemporary English Table Lamps
Ceramic
Mid-20th Century French Table Lamps
Glass
You May Also Like
21st Century and Contemporary Table Lamps
Porcelain
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
Late 20th Century British Post-Modern Table Lamps
Ceramic
Vintage 1950s French Table Lamps
Porcelain
Vintage 1940s French Table Lamps
Porcelain
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Brass
