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Aesthetic Movement Chairs

AESTHETIC MOVEMENT

In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.

The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.

The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.

Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.

The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.

Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.

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Style: Aesthetic Movement
Ogdens Of Manchester. An Aesthetic Movement Ebonized & Parcel Gilt Nursing Chair
Located in London, GB
Ogdens of Manchester, in the style Dr Christopher Dresser. Aesthetic Movement ebonized and parcel gilt walnut nursing chair, with a carved lotus f...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Giltwood

19th Century Aesthetic Movement X-Frame Chair w. Hand Carved Monkey Finials
Located in Lisse, NL
Marvellous, early Arts & Crafts chair with human-like, monkey sculptures. I once learned that one of the goals of art is that it should trigger your imagination. Also, in the sense that it should make you ask yourself the question, what am I looking at and what does it mean (to me)? When I first saw this chair I immediately knew I was looking at a unique work of art and the artistic, human-like monkey sculptures lift it to a whole different level. Realizing that this chair is most likely created in the era of the British Aesthetic Movement around 1880, it came to me how the artist who created this piece could very well have been inspired by a book he may have read, 'on the origin of species' by Charles Darwin. My imagination led me to believe that reading about 'evolutionary biology' could very well have been the seed that was at the root of this marvellous and meaningful work of art. A work of art that lesser creative minds may simply call 'a chair'. Your imagination may tell you something very different and that is why this unique and very well preserved antique also is a great conversation piece. Our price for this 'Darwin chair...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Brass, Iron

Liberty & Co. Aesthetic Movement ebonized corner armchair from the Argyll suite
By Liberty & Co., Ford Madox Brown 1
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. An Aesthetic Movement ebonized corner armchair from the Argyll suite designed in 1884. The design is after a Sussex corner chair designed by Ford Madox Brown for Morr...
Category

1890s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Beech, Rush

English 1880s Aesthetic Movement Carved Oak Chair with Zebra Upholstery
Located in Atlanta, GA
This English Aesthetic Movement accent chair from the 1880s is a stunning example of craftsmanship and decorative detail. Made of bleached oak, this chair highlights intricate carvin...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Zebra Hide, Oak

Austrian Children's Chair in Polychrome Wood, circa 1800
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Lovely Austrian child's chair decorated with flowers and birds from the end of the 18th century beginning of the 19th century circa 1800. Very beautiful original polychromy. The ...
Category

Late 18th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Wood

Bentwood and Cane Thonet "Caminsessel" / Fire Place Chair No. 1, c. 1860
Located in Surbiton, GB
Rare folding cane chair from the aesthetic movement, produced by Thonet, c.1860. In fair condition, with minor scuffs to the frame and a small area...
Category

1860s Swiss Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Cane, Bentwood

English Aesthetic Movement, Mahogany Armchair with Suede seat
Located in New York, NY
A refined, hand carved mahogany armchair of the Aesthetic Movement with a seat upholstered in green suede. Elements of the chair’s design anticipate the near future Jugendstil and Ar...
Category

1880s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Brass

Charles Bevan, Gillows Attr. a Set of Six Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Charles Bevan attributed, for Gillows.  A good quality set of six English Aesthetic Movement oak dining chairs, with central upright to the back united by lower angular uprights wit...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Oak

Early 20th Century Pair of Chiavarine Eclectic Chairs , Carlo Molino designer
Located in Vigonza, Padua
Early 20th century unique and rare pair of Chiavarine Chairs, by Carlo Mollino in ebonized mahogany and with new red velvet upholstery. Feet in gilt brass Measure cm: H 125\50 W 43 ...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

19th C. French Walnut Carved Lyre Back Side Chair
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Aesthetic Movement Style chair with fine form. A charming chair with carved openwork arch top back with a center lyre with bird heads within a scrolled frame. The turned sides with f...
Category

19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Walnut

22 x Aesthetic Movement Oak Upholstered Dining Chairs with Turned Front Legs
Located in London, GB
Gillows of Lancaster attributed. A rare set of 16 + 6 aesthetic movement oak upholstered dining or boardroom chairs with turned front legs. (The price...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Oak

Pair of Carved Nordic Monk Chairs
Located in Malibu, CA
Unique pair of solid oak monk chairs with intricate carvings in Norse style. Hand crafted and unique with removable double sided upholstered cushions. Norw...
Category

1950s Norwegian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Oak

Antique 19th C. Eastlake Victorian Aesthetic Movement Walnut Parlor Arm Chair
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique 19th century Eastlake Victorian Aesthetic Movement (1870s-1890s) parlor armchair. Made of walnut featuring fluted and turned supports with upholstered seat and back.   
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Fun Outdoor Swing Chair
Located in Johannesburg, ZA
The Nest Egg hanging chair swing seat is inspired from the organic forms in birds' nests and has a natural egg shape. The chair has been designe...
Category

2010s South African Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Stainless Steel, Steel

Pair Antique Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Hall Bedroom Chairs in House of Hackney
Located in Sale, GB
- A wonderful pair of Victorian Aesthetic Movement ebonized hall chairs in Hollyhocks Winter Velvet fabric by House of Hackney. - The chairs are in a beautiful condition for their a...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Ebony

Ebonised Tub Chair, in the style of Godwin.
Located in London, GB
Charming ‘Anglo Japanese’ ebonised tub chair in the style of E.W. Godwin. England c. 1870s Provenance: Fine Art Society, Bond Street, London 1980s, Priva...
Category

1870s British Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Wood

Pair of Exceptional Antique Victorian Aesthetic Movement Chairs Mother of Pearl
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this absolutely exquisite pair of Liberty’s style Aesthetic movement occasional side chairs with mother of pearl inlay and ornate carvings A ve...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Oak

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair, ATTR: Herter Brothers *Please View Other Listings - Matching Ottoman and Piano Stool* Presenting an exceptional piece o...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo

Pair of Aesthetic Movement Small Folding Chairs E.W Godwin Manner
Located in Norwich, GB
A pair of Aesthetic Movement small walnut low folding decorative chairs with cane seats, in the manner of E.W. Godwin. Circa 1870s. Free delivery to the UK via a selected parcel company. The walnut frames are in very good condition and have their original patina, showing some age with use, they have been lightly waxed. One of the chairs cane seats professionally re-caned, and it has been aged to resemble the other original cane seat. This same chair has had the under rail replaced in oak with two bolts, as shown in photograph number 12. This was done many years ago - I would say about 80 plus years, looking at the construction. Also added at a similar time under the seat, one small rail either side. The wooden dome...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

James Shoolbread Occasional Chairs
Located in Faversham, GB
A wonderful pair of James Shoolbred occasional chairs in mahogany. The gothic style chairs have a square back with four vertical slats. Featuring Marlborough front legs and sabre l...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Velvet, Mahogany

Superb Antique 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Occasional Chair Dark Oak
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A beautifully crafted Aesthetic Hall Chair, carved foliage and scroll detailing with arched top. Lovely turned front legs with the most superb narrow bobbin front feet. Solid oak wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Northern Irish Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Oak

Victorian Aesthetic Movement Childs Chair with Pressed Leather Cats on Seat Back
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Childs Chair with Pressed Leather Cats on Seat Back. 17” wide by 14” deep by 24 1/2” tall seat hight 10”. Pressed leather...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak

Otto Wagner for Jacob & Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Otto Wagner for Jacob and Josef Kohn Secessionist Movement Stained Bentwood Chair, with Pierced Vase Splat & Branded Stamp to Chair Underside Made in Vienna Austria Jacob & Josef Ko...
Category

19th Century Austrian Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Bentwood, Velvet

Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Chair & Ottoman, Attr: Herter Brothers
Located in Atlanta, GA
Exquisite Antique Aesthetic Movement Faux Bamboo Side Chair and Ottoman, ATTR: Herter Brothers This listing is for the TWO PIECES. *Please View Other Listings - Matching Piano Sto...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Bamboo, Wood

Aesthetic Movement Side Chair in Walnut by E.W. Godwin, circa 1885
By Goodwin
Located in Faversham, GB
Aesthetic Movement walnut and rush seated chair by E.W. Godwin for William Smee & Son, London. Turned spindle and dowel back with legs united by six-shaped ...
Category

19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Walnut, Bamboo, Cane, Rush

Bruce Talbert, for Gillows Set of 6 English Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chairs
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. Made by Gillows of Lancaster and London. A good quality set of six oak dining chairs with an upper and lower row of turnings and carved details above. As you can see...
Category

1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Oak

English Aesthetic Movement Chair by Lamb of Manchester
Located in London, GB
An aesthetic movement chair By Lamb of Manchester designed by W.J. Estall Of unique elegance and design, the black ebonised chair fashioned in the...
Category

19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

20th Century Chinese Burnt Bamboo Brighton Style Arm Chair
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a wonderful Chinese Brighton style burnt bamboo arm chair. It has a vintage embroidered linen cushion that does show slight wear. It ...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Upholstery, Bamboo

Anglo-Indian Carved Peacock Chair
Located in Houston, TX
Mid 20th century hand carved peacock chair.
Category

20th Century Indian Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Wood

Bruce Talbert for Gillow & Co, . Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Nursing Chair
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert (1838-1881) for Gillow and Co., an Aesthetic Movement ebonized nursing chair, with a lobed top rail, a button upholstered crushed velvet in...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Walnut

Antique Bamboo Rocker in the George Hunzinger Style
Located in Bellport, NY
A charming little rocker with all the bells and whistles of the George Hunzinger style. Handcrafted and upholstered in a modern woven beige and green top grade fabric. Excellent cond...
Category

19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Bamboo

Richard Charles Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Elbow Chair with X Frame stretcher
By Richard Charles
Located in London, GB
Richard Charles (1823-93), an Aesthetic Movement ebonized elbow chair, circa 1866, with ball finials, a ladder back, later leather seat, gilt highlights and X-frame base with X-frame...
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Chairs

Materials

Wood

Aesthetic Movement chairs for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement chairs 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 chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, building and garden elements, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, fabric and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original chairs, popular names associated with this style include Bruce James Talbert, Gillows of Lancaster & London, Goodwin, and James Shoolbred. 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 chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $307 and tops out at $12,706 while the average work can sell for $2,316.

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