20th Century Coat Racks and Stands

Rotating door coat rack mod. Formia with wooden frame and cloth upholstery. Metal details, Prod. MIM, Italy, 1958. Bibliography, Domus no. 359, October 1959; R. Lietti, Ico Parisi. D...

1950's Stitched leather suede valet, Very rare in this material and this color

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...

Cristal Art Wall Mounted Blue Glass Coat or Hat Rack, Turin Italy, circa 1950's A very rare and stunning grand scale wall-mounted coat rack by Cristal Art, the back plate glass in ...

Vintage sleek heavy lucite bedspread / quilt rack. Great invisible piece to hold your bedcovers. Very sturdy and in good condition.

Timeless and elegant best describe this Renna coat rack designed by Bruce Tippex for Knoll International and Gavina in the 1960s. This unique vintage coat rack is made of orange lacq...

Appendiabiti da terra con struttura in metallo cromato e plastica nera, ganci superiori in legno bianco, anni 70. Condizioni: in buone condizioni, presenta segni d'usura dati dal ...

Series of four brass or bronze coat hangers and hats in a natural shape. Similar to an Alvar Aalto piece it’s presumably made by one of Alvar’s wife Aino. Very good condition with a ...

Art Deco vintage set of eight coat hooks from solid brass designed circa 1918 Vienna. The set of eight coat hooks shows a well patinated brass surface in warm golden tone and are ea...

Art deco coat rack circa 1910 by Edgar Brandt. Stamped Brandt. Wrought iron decorated with ginko biloba leaves. In perfect condition, ready to hang. 2 fixing holes. Height: 34...

Luigi Caccia Dominioni's iconic brass adjustable coat rack for Azucena, Italy, 1950s. Measurements closed 15 x 16.5 x H 42 cm.

Mid-Century Modern teak coat rack or hanger. The rack is made by Virum Møbelsnedkeri and designed by Adam Hoff and Poul Østergaard in Denmark around the 1960s. The rack is hung on the wall and has a folding hanger...

This vibrant mustard yellow coat and umbrella rack from the 1970s is a striking blend of functionality and style. Featuring four doors and hooks, it provides ample space for organizi...

Art Deco brass wall coat rack, circa the 1930s, Germany. An elegant Art Deco wall coat rack made of brass with six sliding hooks. Dimensions: height: 8 cm / 3.15 in; width: 56 cm / 2...

Up to two large charming Minimalist wall coat hooks, model #4056, designed and executed in the 1950s by Carl Aubock workshop, Vienna/Austria. These are authentic, vintage wall hooks,...

Mid-century modern butler chair by Ico Parisi and Luisa Parisi for Fratelli Regguitti. Walnut frame with coat hanger and cuff link holder, with storage under the woven seat. Please ...

Beautiful and rare coat hanger designed by Luigi Sormani in the 60s. This coat hanger features lacquered white wood panels that create a nice contrast with the walnut finish. The bo...

Elegant Mid-Century wall mount coat rack perfect for an entry way or closet space. Exotic Wenge wood slats with aluminum hooks paired with a tall rectangular mirror on a square white...

Rare and beautiful quality Arts & Crafts stand, designed by Gustave Serrurier-Bovy (1858-1910). Looking for a stylish and practical antique to upgrade your entrance experience? This...

This beautiful 20th Century French coat rack embodies classic French craftsmanship with a blend of style and functionality. Constructed from warm, rich wood, it features a tall centr...

Six beautiful Austrian Mid-Century Modern solid brass hooks by Carl Auböck II. They are made of polished solid brass and come with the original brass screws. The same hooks were sol...

Coat rack / black umbrella stand designed by Ettore Sottsass Olivetti Synthesis 45 series, 1972.Coat rack / black umbrella stand des...

A bamboo and rattan coat stand designed and produced in Italy, 1960s.

The Hang it All coat rack was first designed for children in 1953. An icon of mid-century design, it was originally designed to encourage children to hang up their belongings. It has...

Gorgeous fully original Art Deco Bauhaus coat rack in Chrome from the 1930s. Marvelous Art Deco design with the square chrome frame and 4 chrome balls. The coat rack has its 8 or...

Very beautiful Art Nouveau coat rack made of oak wood with solid brass hooks. The coat rack has a large umbrella stand and four solid brass coat hooks. There is a shelf in the middle...

Cool vintage wall coat rack, coat rack with 5 hooks, completely in the typical 50s rockabilly style, a rounded wooden surface finished with wood veneer and a gold plastic band all ar...

- Good original condition with minor signs of wear - frame made of teak wood

Art Deco wall coat rack Chrome tube frame ,comes with 8 hooks and a place for your had on top . Holland 1930s

1940s Wall coat rack by French designer André Sornay. Structure in solid Oregon wood and veneer highlighted by a system of brass nails perfectly aligned underlining the sober and pur...

Extra large Italian slatted wall mount coat rack with unusual, adjustable coat hooks that can be locked in to 6 different heights. The hooks are heavy, innovative black enameled stee...

A sculptural post modern coat stand in natural polished plywood with travertine base Italy C1970

Meet the Silhouette Stand - a cool, postmodern coat rack shaped like a guy, giving off those epic 1980s vibes. This piece is all about mixing style with everyday use. Made from light...

Midcentury Beech and Vinyl gentleman's valet seat, Formax Valet by Breveitato, Dress Boy A very useful piece, the hanger or Valet is made in Beech, it w...

Antique unique clothes rack made by hand from northern Sweden. The clothes rack is made around the year 1900 in painted pine. Original condition and original paint with some distress...

Vintage black wood clothing rack from France. This clothing rack has a simple design with a metal bar for hangers that features gold metal adornments on each side that resemble acorn...

A brass coat hanger designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 5.25” H x 4” W x 2.5" D

French Art Deco coat rack with central mirror and hat rack has beautiful details including floral design throughout. Having four coat hangers...

Antique English Edwardian Towel Rail C.1910 A handsome example. presented in good condition commensurate with age. Please message for a shipping quote.

Lot of three coat hooks and cloth hanger, 1970s German. Nice addition to your room, entry hall or just for your collection of design items. Made of brass and Lucite. They are in used...

A set of four brass coat hangers designed and produced in Italy, c. 1950s. Dimensions: 5” H x 4.75” W x 2.125” D

Modernist Coat Rack, Italy, 1930s

Found in France, this iron Art Deco hall stand dates from the 1930s. Forged iron work in the style of Edgar Brandt features a footed umbrella stand at the base with fan-shaped decora...

Gorgeous, Mid-Century, 1970's, Sidse Werner style chrome tube 'coat tree' coat rack. Dynamic design and practical functionality highlighted by 8 bent steel tubes. Piece is in origina...

This Italian valet was designed by Fratelli Reguitti in the 1950s. This design is often mis-attributed to Ico Parisi, who used these valets for styling but never actually designed th...

Beautiful and elegant Midcentury modern vintage clothes / coat hangers (coathanger) made of brass plated steel attributed to Austrian Design Atelier - Werkstätte Carl Auböck, circa 1...

Wooden coat rack, Mid-Century style, 1950s, Italy. Dark wood. Signs due to time and wear. Composed of a vertical rod crossed by hooks.

Italian Birch Valet with rotating tray and wheels to easily move around. Stamped Italy under wood tray. Useful stylish Design!

Handsome Italian teak coat rack or hall stand - Italy, circa 1950's Constructed of three solid teak wood planks with floating circular mirror with curved floating shelf Four large...

French Art Deco Gentleman’s floor standing brass suit hanger or dumb valet A very useful piece, the hanger or clothes stand is in brass and has a 3 footed base, it has a small cir...

Timeless Parisian Elegance – Original 1930s Art Deco Hall Stand / Open Wardrobe Bring the sophistication of a 1930s Paris apartment into your home with this authentic Art Deco hall ...

This is a beautiful Arts and Crafts Oak Hall seat. This piece shows minor wear with a break to each arm. Otherwise, this work presents well. Mirror included.

Mid-Century French steel coat hanger, 1950s Found in an old doctor's office in my city, Palermo.

Elevate your wardrobe and decor with this exquisite pair of modernist metal coat hangers, hailing from the 1940s. These timeless pieces have aged gracefully, showcasing a beautiful p...

Wall coat hanger of different design made of chromed steel and nile green glass. Produced by Fontana Arte in the 60s.Please watch the video and photos carefully, thank you. Round circle coat...

This early 1940s single wall shelf / hat rack model 113 is designed by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto for artek. This versatile shelf is in stained birch. The 2 triangular panels ...

Long slatted teak and black enameled metal wall mount coat rack with movable wood hooks and elegant rounded multi-wood bars. In lightly refinished condition, with some wear to metal ...

- good / very good original condition with minor signs of use ¨ - Depth: 7-30cm.

Bring a retro, yet practical touch to any entry or dressing area with this elegant, carved coat stand. The useful hat rack was crafted in France, circa 1920 in the style of German-Au...

Set of 6 wall coat hooks by Schönbuch , 1970s Germany