Howard & Sons Grafton Armchair, 19th Century, circa 1890

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About the Item

Howard & Sons Grafton armchair, 19th century, circa 1890 Magnificent 19th century library armchair, an exceptional large version of the Grafton model low easy armchair by Howard and Sons of Berners Street in London. This wonderful example Howard & Sons Grafton armchair standing on its square tapered legs with original casters all bearing the makers name. The frame is stamped Berners St, it is the address at which Howard and Sons had been since 1848, this chair dates to circa 1890. This magnificent outsized example is deep seated and is upholstered in its original brown leather with brass stud work detail around the arms and sides with a feather down filled leather covered cushion, the tapering mahogany front supports and rear leg stamped Howard & Sons, Berners Street, numbered 106755908, with brass casters all stamped Howard & Sons Ltd, London, a truly wonderful chair with the perfect patina, simply stunning. This is one of the more elegant designs with a serpentine back and a flat base, the long low arms flow in a waterfall manner down to the front leg. This model has a higher front leg than back to give the correct rake to the seat, this really is one of the most comfortable models made by Howard and that is saying something, this chair is a once in a lifetime addition to any collection and will stand the test of time for many years to come, reserve now. Howard and Sons The name of Howard and Sons is probably one of the best known and highly sought after names in Upholstered furniture. The company was started by John Howard in 1820 trading from 24 Leman St, London as a Cabinet Maker. Over the next 25 years they would make several changes of premises within the Whitechapel area. First to 27 Great Alie St (Now just Alie St) before moving a short distance to 34 Great Alie St. In 1844 the company made its first venture into upholstered furniture by opening a showroom/workshop at 36 Red lion St. This was also to be a big move towards what would be their next and most famous location. In 1848 they moved to a new address much more accustomed with the name; Berners St. London as “Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer and Decorator” under the name John Howard and Sons. By 1872 the company was occupying 25, 26 and 27 Berners St. In 1935 the well established decorators Lenygon and Morant appear to take over the name with the business address being given as 31 Old Burlington St (Lenygon and Morants premesis since 1909). Lenygon and Morant later moved to South Audley St where from 1954 they advertised as 'Makers of Howard Chairs and Sofas’. In 1967 the owners of Lenygon and Morant open Howard Chairs Limited, the company operating from Lyme St continue to make high quality sofas and armchairs It is believed that Queen Elizabeth II has the largest private collection of Howard & Sons chairs in the world. Summary: Antique 19th Century Howard & Sons Ltd Armchair Grafton Outsized Deep Seated Original Date: 1860 Leather Maker: Howard & Sons Wood: Mahogany Stamped:106755908 Casters: Stamped Howard & Sons Ltd Investment Condition: Very good original condition, no weakness to joints, leather in good worn condition with no tears or rips, excellent patina. Dimensions chair: Width: 31” / 80cm Depth: 36” / 92cm Height: 34” / 87cm Floor to seat: 17” / 43cm

Creator:
Howard & Sons Ltd (Manufacturer)
Dimensions:
Height: 34 in (86.36 cm)Width: 31 in (78.74 cm)Depth: 36 in (91.44 cm)Seat Height: 17 in (43.18 cm)
Style:
Victorian (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Leather,Mahogany
Place of Origin:
England
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1890
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Longdon, GB
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1832321175702

Shop All Howard & Sons Ltd

Howard & Sons Ltd

For more than two centuries, the name Howard & Sons Ltd has been synonymous with elegance and exceptional handcrafted quality. Their Victorian furnishings graced grand old hotels like The Savoy in London, British Royal residences and luxury yachts of the day, including American business tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt’s North Star.

Today, stately armchairs, sofas and rich, hand-carved serving tables from Howard & Sons continue to be a gold standard among the most discerning furniture collectors. Queen Elizabeth II is even said to have owned the world's most extensive collection of Howard & Sons chairs.

Howard & Sons Ltd was founded in 1820 on Leman street in London by cabinetmaker and upholsterer John Howard. Although he had three sons — George, Charles and Joseph — it was only George who later joined his father in running the family business. Before their upholstered armchairs and sofas garnered universal acclaim, Howard & Sons was a cabinetry company that collaborated with another well-known cabinetmaker, Gillows of Lancaster and London, on large projects and likely manufactured upholstered furniture for Gillows.

Howard & Sons Ltd showcased their pieces and won awards at several important exhibitions towards the end of the 19th century. They were given medals at the 1878 Paris Exhibition, the 1894 Antwerp Exhibition and the 1900 Paris Exposition. In 1901, they received their first Royal warrant to supply upholstered furniture to King Edward VII.

Howard & Sons Ltd continued production until 1947. During the 1950s, a London decorating firm called Lenygon & Morant began to trade under the Howard name. The company re-emerged in 1967 as Howard Chairs Ltd. Today, the brand is again known again as Howard & Sons and carries on the tradition of creating bespoke furniture from their London-based workshop.

On 1stDibs, find a range of antique Howard & Sons Ltd seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other collectibles.