Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk 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
English Armchair In Dark Green Leather
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful English leather armchair with a mahogany base
Very beautiful armchair covered with green leather which has a very beautiful patina
The armchair rests on a solid mahog...
Category
Mid-20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather
Aesthetic Movement Jacobean Or Old English Armchair after a Design by E W Godwin
Located in London, GB
An Aesthetic Movement Jacobean or Old English ebonized armchair.
After a design by E. W. Godwin.
Probably made by C J Plunkett & Co. See The Secular Furniture of E W Godwin by Susa...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Walnut
E W Godwin Style of Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Oak Armchair
Located in London, GB
After a design by E W Godwin.
An Aesthetic Movement OAK armchair originally named,' A Jacobean or Old English Armchair '.
Probably made by Collier and Plunkett or James Peddle. See...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Oak
E W Godwin Style of Two Jacobean or Old English Aesthetic Movement Armchairs
Located in London, GB
After a design by E W Godwin. Jacobean or Old English armchairs.
Two Aesthetic Movement Walnut ebonized armchairs both professionally reupholstered in a quality green and tan leathe...
Category
Early 1800s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Liberty & Co. an English Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Armchair with Seagrass Seat
Located in London, GB
Liberty & Co. In the style of Morris and Co's Sussex range.
An English Aesthetic Movement ebonized rush-seat Sussex style armchair after a design by Daniel Gabriel Rossetti in original condition with original seagrass seat...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Beech
E W Godwin style of, An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean Ebonized Armchair
Located in London, GB
E W Godwin, style of,
An Anglo-Japanese Old English or Jacobean ebonized armchair.
Professionally upholstered in a quality hide.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Bruce Talbert Style, Aesthetic Movement Oak Dining Chair with Elongated Turnings
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert in the style of. Probably made by Gillows of Lancaster.
A good quality Aesthetic Movement dining or side chair with elongated turnings to the back.
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Oak
Charles Eastlake attri., Aesthetic Movement Walnut & Carved Swivel Desk Armchair
Located in London, GB
Charles Eastlake attributed., An Aesthetic Movement Walnut swivel desk armchair, with floral carving to the headrest and circular backrest, with tram ...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Walnut
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Georgian Armchair Green Leather Seat, English Hepplewhite circa 1785
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good quality English armchair from the George III, Hepplewhite period, made circa 1785.
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Kaare Klint Armchair Model 3758a in Leather and Mahogany Rud Rasmussen Denmark
Located in WIJCKEL, NL
Armchair model 3758 A in original red indian leather and mahogany base. Model designed in 1927 for the Danish Museum of Decorative Art, produced by Rud Rasmussen in the 1940’s. Signed with manufacturer’s label to underside: (Rud. Rasmussens Snedkerier).
Kaare Klint is widely recognized as the father of Danish modern design. It is hard to overstate his influence. He developed an entirely new analytical approach to furniture design that his students at the Danish Academy of Art would emulate for years to come, yet was also inspired by historic designs from various cultures, modernizing and re-interpreting classic pieces for new generations.
Literature: Kaare Klint, Harkær, pg. 28-30. Dansk Møbelkunst Gennem 40 Aar: 1927-1936, Jalk, pg. 169. Danish Chairs, Oda, pg. 22-23.
Kaare Klint (1888-1954) is regarded as the founding father of Danish Modernim. As an architect, furniture designer and leading professor at the Department of Furniture Design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Klint established the principles of modern Danish furniture by combining a profound appreciation of traditional construction techniques with a modernist emphasis on function and a rejection of ornaments.
Klint’s design was always based on relentless research; he never compromised. Every piece had to fulfill its purpose, be completely clear in its construction with dimensions and proportions corresponding to the human body and display materials and craftsmanship of the highest quality. Logic, often using a mathematical system of measures, and a constructive way of thinking were the foundation of Klint’s philosophy of furniture design. Like many of his contemporaries, counting Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius, he advocated standardization and functional requirements and dismissed the use of all ornamentation. But Klint realized his vision in wood and leather, using traditional craftsmen and working methods and often finding inspiration in historical models. In this way, he charted the course for an alternative Nordic Functionalism that idealized the workshop and the collaboration between furniture architects and cabinetmakers as opposed to the factory.
Kaare Klint’s first major work was a collaboration with his mentor, the architect Carl Petersen. In 1914 they were commissioned to design furniture and fixtures for Faaborg Art Museum. One of the highlights to emerge from this commission was the Faaborg chair, a light and elegant chair with clear references to classical furniture. The construction and proportions of an 18th century English Chippendale...
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1950s Danish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Leather, Mahogany
H 35.44 in W 24.02 in D 21.66 in
French Black Leather Armchair/ Desk Chair
Located in Stamford, CT
Louis XV style walnut and black leather armchair or desk chair. Arm height is 27 inches.
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1940s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Leather, Wood
1 of 2 Small 19th Century Morris & Co Liberty London Lathback Armchair Woven
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning 1 of 2 Victorian Morris & Co for Liberty London small armchairs with original woven seat
As mentioned I have two of these, the oth...
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19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Wood
H 33.08 in W 20.87 in D 19.89 in
Marquetry Armchair with Satinwood Inlays, New York, circa 1890
Located in Miami, FL
A late 19th century New York armchair in the early 18th century Dutch-Style in mahogany decorated with inlays in other woods of bows, birds, rinceau ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Tulipwood, Kingwood, Mahogany, Satinwood
A Pair of French Art Deco Desk or Bridge Armchairs
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Pair of French Art Deco beech desk / bridge armchairs.
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1940s French Vintage Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Danish Armchair in Patinated Leather Cuban Mahogany, 1930s
Located in Lejre, DK
Armchair in patinated leather made by Danish Cabinetmaker in 1930s. Great original condition.
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1930s Danish Vintage Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Leather, Mahogany
Victorian Designer E W Godwin Aesthetic Movement Jappaned Low Elbow ArmChair
Located in High Wycombe, GB
E W Godwin Aesthetic Movement Jappaned Low Elbow Arm Chair With Anglo Japonesque Geometric Back On Hand Turned Legs
Auctioneer has given attribution.
Victorian architect-designer E....
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19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Beech
H 28.35 in W 23.23 in D 22.05 in
Lovely Antique English Edwardian Ralph Johnson Oak Captains Office Desk Armchair
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely original Edwardian English oak Ralph Johnson stamped captains chair
A very good looking and well made piece, I have two of these cha...
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Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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H 33.47 in W 23.63 in D 22.05 in
Grand Office Swivel Armchair with Granite Grey Fabric
Located in Paris, FR
Swivel Armchair Grand Office in granite grey fabric
on polished stainless steel base. Height adjustable.
Also available in pebble grey fabric.
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21st Century and Contemporary Indian Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ebonized Bank of England Armchairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Classic, maple and oak, bank of England, courthouse, armchairs by Gunlocke, Sikes and Library Bureau Makers in an ebonized finish. The chairs differ ev...
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Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Maple, Oak
Chesterfield Vintage Captain's Office Chair in Green Leather
Located in Berlin, DE
Stunning original handmade in England hand dyed deep green leather captain's chair, a stunning piece, the frame is solid and beautifully finished mahogany, the leather is English cow...
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Previously Available Items
Victorian Velvet Swivel Desk Chair Brass Castors by Jas Shoolbred & Co London
Located in High Wycombe, GB
Late 19th Century Victorian Jas Shoolbred Green Velvet Swivel Desk Chair With Brass Castors & Branded Label
Arm height: 67cm
Antique furniture by James Shoolbred and Co. (Jas Shool...
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19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Brass
H 32.29 in W 24.81 in D 24.41 in
Office Chair / Desk Chair Called President in Beige Leather from England
Located in Brussels, Brussels
Very beautiful office armchair or desk chair called president armchair from England with a mahogany base
Very beautiful armchair covered with bei...
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Mid-20th Century British Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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H 46.46 in W 31.89 in D 30.32 in
Victorian Aesthetic Movement Swivel Desk Office Chair Att. to Charles Eastlake
Located in New York, NY
Top quality Victorian swivel desk chair with caned back, and metal medallion joinery. The chair features bentwood curlicue arms, and a four leg pyramid form base. Design attributed to Charles Eastlake...
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Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Cane, Oak
H 36 in W 23.25 in D 24 in
Aesthetic Movement Desk Chair in the Manner of Christopher Dresser
Located in Conwy, GB
An oak desk chair in the Aesthetic Movement taste.
In the manner of Dr Christopher Dresser.
Untouched state, no restorations or repairs.
Category
18th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Wood
Aesthetic Movement Oak Desk Chair
Located in Whaley Bridge, GB
Sn4424 Victorian - Aesthetic Movement office chair in oak, having upholstered back with turned spindles below, open padded arms and generous, sprung seat, standing on turned legs and...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Materials
Oak
E W Godwin. An Aesthetic Movement Carved Oak Armchair with Ebonized Spindles
Located in London, GB
Edward William Godwin (attributed) probably for William Watt, a carved oak armchair, with ebonized spindles.
See Soros, Susan Weber 'The Secular Furniture of E.W. Godwin', p. 126, illus. 171 for a comparable example.
Professionally re upholstered in part gilt leather upholstery, created from hand carved printing blocks...
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Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
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Oak
A French mahogany Dolphin Desk Chair
Located in London, GB
A fine mid 19th century mahogany desk chair with concave back, scrolled arms terminating in finely carved dolphin heads and raised on ...
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19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Office Chairs and Desk Chairs
Aesthetic Movement office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement office chairs and desk chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage office chairs and desk chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, walnut and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement office chairs and desk 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 office chairs and desk chairs, popular names associated with this style include C.J. Plunkett & Co, Jas Shoolbred & Co., and Liberty & Co.. 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 office chairs and desk chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $559 and tops out at $4,045 while the average work can sell for $2,781.
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