Edward Barnsley set of eight walnut dining chairs, England circa 1947
View Similar Items
Edward Barnsley set of eight walnut dining chairs, England circa 1947
About the Item
- Creator:Edward Barnsley (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 34.65 in (88 cm)Width: 18.12 in (46 cm)Depth: 16.54 in (42 cm)Seat Height: 18.9 in (48 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 8
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1947
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Macclesfield, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: f89141704137179163fs
Edward Barnsley
Collectors the world over consider furniture maker Edward Barnsley one of the most influential figures in British design. Bringing his own touch to the local standard of crafting, Barnsley worked with rare hardwoods, such as rosewood and black bean, as well the staples of the Arts and Crafts style, like oak and walnut. His use of fine lines, delicate curves and detailed inlays set his work apart from that of his predecessors.
From Hampshire County, England, Barnsley was practically born to be a furniture maker. His father, Sydney, uncle Ernest and a family friend all practiced the craft and were strong influences on young Edward. At 10, he enrolled in Bedales, a progressive school focusing on practical skills and craftwork.
In 1920, after completing his studies, Barnsley returned to Hampshire and began employment at the workshop of local furniture maker and construction carpenter Geoffrey Lupton. In 1923, Lupton turned over his furniture workshop and client list to Barnsley. When his father died in 1926, Barnsley inherited his father's customers as well.
Barnsley employed numerous craftspeople and laborers — including the notable British furniture maker Alan Peters — increasing production immeasurably beyond that of his predecessors. The workshop created more than 7,000 individual works over the course of his leadership.
When electricity arrived to the shop in 1955, Barnsley was apprehensive about overutilizing mechanical means of production, believing the craftsperson's skill vital to making each piece a success. However, using machines to plane and sand the wood quickly became commonplace at the workshop, helping to boost production significantly.
Throughout his career, Barnsley often took the time to lecture at Loughborough College, passing on his wisdom and understanding of his craft to the next generation. He was also a founding member of the Crafts Council of England, and in 1945, received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
After Barnsley died in 1987, his widow and children gave substantial contributions to the workshop, helping to ensure its financial security for the future. Although Edward Barnsley is gone, the Edward Barnsley Workshop lives on — crafting outstanding furniture with the same level of perfection and vision as its namesake.
On 1stDibs, explore antique Edward Barnsley seating, case pieces and decorative objects.
- E Barnsley for the Rural Industries Bureau Six Arts & Crafts Oak Dining ChairsBy Edward BarnsleyLocated in London, GBEdward Barnsley for the Rural Industries Bureau. A set of six oak Arts & Crafts style dining chairs with chamfered details to the backs and carved Acorns to the legs with leather dro...Category
Vintage 1950s English Arts and Crafts Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsOak
- Set of Eight Louis XV Style Caned Walnut Dining ChairsLocated in Rio Vista, CA19th century gorgeous set of eight French caned dining chairs hand-carved from walnut in the grand Louis XV taste. The chairs feature an open...Category
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsCane, Walnut
- Set of Eight English Chippendale Mahogany Dining Room Chairs, Circa 1760Located in Hollywood, SCSet of eight English Chippendale mahogany dining room chairs with a serpentine carved acanthus and ribbon cresting rail, rolled foliage ears, molded edge stiles, ornate carved ribbon...Category
Antique 1760s English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsUpholstery, Mahogany
- Set of Eight Italian Walnut and Upholstered Dining Chairs, 20th CenturyLocated in Savannah, GASet of eight Italian walnut and upholstered dining chairs, 20th century. Having upholstered backs and seats, with H-form stretchers.Category
20th Century Italian Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWalnut
- Dining Chairs English Set of 6 Assembled Chippendale EnglandLocated in New York, NYDining chairs English set of 6 assembled Chippendale England. An assembled set of 6 Chippendale chairs made in England during the 18th cent...Category
Antique 18th Century English Chippendale Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsWood
- Set of Eight James Mont Lacquered Dining ChairsBy James MontLocated in Rio Vista, CAMagnificent set of eight black lacquered Mid-Century Modern dining chairs designed by James Mont. The chairs feature an Asian foliate motif decorated back splat with a dramatic high gloss lacquer finish. The frames are made of thick round hardwood with a gracefully curved back. The crestrail is reminiscent of a Chinese official hat chair...Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsVelvet, Hardwood
$12,000 / set