Arts and Crafts Furniture

An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak pedestal extension dining table In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 52"W x 52"D x 29.25"H....

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...

Leather Upholstered Brass Club Fender This is a stylish piece, it is made in brass the seats are upholstered in Golden tan leather, it has a low curved rail at the centre front The...

One of four "Liberty" Italian Stained Glass door- window Panel, Italy 1900 c Measure: Each door/panel measures height cm. 190, width cm. 5...

Wylie Lochhead attributed. An Arts and Crafts oak desk with central shelf, galleried sides, stylised copper handles, laid with a new leather w...

This is an antique Gustav Stickley Two-Door Bookcase. Good original finish in excellent condition with real thru tenon construction twice on each side. Has original glass. The case...

A Scottish Arts & Crafts oak center table by noted architect and furniture designer Robert Lorimer, having intricate geometric border mixed-wood inlay to top and edges, over six rope...

Shapland and Petter. An Arts and Crafts oak bedside cabinet with stylized floral inlaid decoration in the form of Albalone flower heads.

An Arts and Crafts walnut Hall stand by Shapland and Petter with a copper panel depicting a mythical creature to the top, leaf cut-outs to the centre with circular ball uprights to e...

An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with original hammered copper hardwa...

Antique English Arts & Crafts Stick Back Windsor Chair, Heals Of London Oak construction circa1900 Very good condition commensurate of age. In go...

An early 20th century Liberty & Co oak cupboard attributed to Leonard Wyburd. This piece is constructed from beautifully grained oak, enriched with hand hammered wrought iron escutc...

Circa 1900-1910 Warm oak patina hand made barley twist cane stand with simple lines, six sectionals and original metal drip pans. Compact size and e...

An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period quarter sawn oak writing desk By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 40"W x 22.13"D x 37"H. Good original vintage ...

A rare and exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts quarter sawn oak pedestal extension dining table By Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Measures: 54"W x 54"D x 30"H. Extends up to 8...

Antique Craftsman couch for sale. Over 100 years ago, and in excellent condition. Has a solid quarter sawn oak frame in a dark oak finish, and a vintag...

True Arts & Crafts two-tone geometric pair of stained glass windows. Subtle workmanship which exudes simplified elegance. In very good or...

Magnificent and rare Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau side table. Design by K.P.C. de Bazel. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid padouk base with original hand-carved decorative ele...

A good Arts and Crafts oak sideboard attributed to Harris Lebus with stylised Glasgow Style stain glass to the upper cupboard and 2 open shelves, with two central drawers with copper...

An impressive Arts and Crafts copper chandelier with entwining leaf and floral bud decoration which came with the original set of fou...

Stunning and elegant Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau coffee table. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak base with hand-crafted elements and original solid top. This wonderful Ar...

This is an antique One-Door Arts & Crafts Bookcase made by "Lifetime." Made in the early 1900s from quarter-sawn oak. The color on this item is beautiful! Sturdy & Strong and ready ...

Wylie and Lochhead of Glasgow. An Arts & Crafts Glasgow School oak three-piece bedroom suite with stylised floral inlays and silver plated handles throughout. Consisting of a double...

Liberty and Co. An Arts and Crafts oak revolving bookcase with stylized floral cut-out decoration to the upper section and sweeping aprons below on four square tapering legs united b...

Shapland and Petter. A quality suite of ten Arts & Crafts oak dining chairs with a rare three seat model with carved roundel to the head rests. These have all been gently knocked ap...

An outstanding antique American Empire or Arts & Crafts double bookcase cabinet USA, circa 1900s Gorgeous quarter sawn oak, with mullioned glass front doors, and original brass har...

Liberty and Co, a pair of Arts & Crafts ladder back side chairs with the original finely laid rushed seats and stylish simple upright details to the fronts, uniting the front stretch...

An exceptional antique Mission or Arts & Crafts writing desk or library table In the manner of Stickley Brothers USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak, with original hammered cop...

Liberty & Co, in the style of C F A Voysey. A pair of oak rush seat ladderback armchairs with circular caps to the tops and wavy ladders to the back, the arms with subtle outward sha...

Arts and Crafts era oak bookcase. Original leaded glass door, 4 adjustable shelves, nice figured oak, wonderful warm old surface. Original brass knob and ball feet.

A pair of good quality oak Arts and Crafts side tables by Goodyers of Regent St with ring turned leg and both made from quarter sawn oak. Left one: H 61.5 cm x W 40 cm x D 40 cm; Rig...

A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period bench, settee, or love seat By Charles P. Limbert USA, Circa 1900 Quarter sawn oak frame, with leather upholstery. Measures: 74...

L. & J. G Stickley Signed 1900 Missiom Oak Rocking Chair in Original Not Restoted Condition.. Very Good Condition with No Issues

Magnificent and rare pair of Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau side chairs. Design by Jac. van den Bosch. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak frames with decorative solid ebony p...

Large and striking French champagne or wine cooler in copper over zinc, dating from around 1900. The piece features beautifully aged patina, a hand-worked decorative base in the Arts...

Elegant pair of mahogany side chairs designed by Johan Rohde, one of Denmark’s most significant designers bridging the Arts & Crafts and early modern movements. Beautiful openwork ba...

Liberty & Co, in the Glasgow Style. A small trunk or toybox with floral copper panels to the front and sides that are in the style of C R Mackintosh.

Liberty and Co, attributed in the style of Archibald Knox. An Arts and Crafts silver hat pin with Celtic decoration touched with blue, orange, and green...

Liberty and Co. An Arts Crafts oak side table, with stylised cut-outs to the apron and square tapering legs, united by lower shelf.

Shapland and Petter. An Arts and Crafts firescreen with a shaped top pierced with a heart and floral inlay, with a beautiful peacock inlaid ...

Liberty & Co. A scarce pair of well designed Arts and Crafts oak side or occasional tables with three plank sides, each having, above the shelves an arched top cut-out so as not to o...

Magnificent and ultra rare Arts & Crafts library bookcase. Design by Willem Penaat for De Woning Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid oak with original glass and si...

Magnificent and rare Arts & Crafts Art Nouveau lantern. Striking English design from the 1900s. Patinated brass frame and chain with original and very rare etched glass shade. This w...

A gorgeous antique Mission or Arts & Crafts period Morris reclining lounge chair By L. & J.G. Stickley USA, Circa 1900 Solid quarter sawn oak frame, with upholstered seat and back...

19th Century Carpenters Pine Tool Chest and Tools The chest is in pine with metal banding, it is set on wheels and has layers of trays We have left the contents of the chest with i...

Antique Shaw Walker Quarter Sawn Oak 4 Drawer Arts & Crafts Office File Cabinet. Circa Early 1900s. Measurements: 52" H x 17.75" W x 27.5" D.

A beautiful small scale Bar Harbor style wicker arm chair in a natural finish with blue accent trim. This is a very comfortable and sturdy all woven arm chair...

Liberty & Co. Attributed. In the style of E G Punnet. A good set of four English Arts & Crafts Walnut dining or side chairs with stylized floral Mother-Of-Pearl and fruitwood inlays to the headrests, three shaped backrests with upholstered seat and subtle tapering front legs from square to round...

A rare set of four solid oak chairs, designed by Martin Nyrop for Copenhagen City Hall around 1905 and crafted by the esteemed Rud. Rasmussen cabinetmakers. These chairs feature pier...

Leonard Wyburd for Liberty and Co. A rare Arts and Crafts two tier walnut side table, inlaid with three pewter florets with ebonized highlig...

Arts and Crafts Open Front Elm Bookcase This bookcase has 4 open shelves, the top shelf is galleried The shelf has shaped sides The bookcase is in good attractive sturdy condition ...

C R Ashbee for The Guild of Handicraft. A rare Arts and Crafts oak armchair with larger proportions than usual. The shaped back makes this armchair ergonomically perfect and rather c...

An Arts and Crafts cast iron fireplace with curved sides designed to throw more heat into the room with stylized floral decoration throughout, pillars to the sides and heating shelve...

WAS Benson. An Arts and Crafts cast iron four leg table oil lamp.

Liberty and Co attributed. A Glasgow School Walnut piano stool with storage under the seat, and a lift up flap to the front to make the seat higher. The seat with semi-circular cut-o...

Liberty & Co attributed. An English Arts & Crafts oak sideboard, with an open upper shelf flanked by stylized carved floral decoration running down each side of the central beveled ...

Liberty & Co. attributed. An Arts & Crafts oak double wardrobe with stylized cut-outs to the shaped top and an unusual open display area above, retaining the original beveled mirror ...

An exceptional Mission or Arts & Crafts period coffee or cocktail table By Charles P. Limbert Co. USA, Circa 1900 Gorgeous quartersawn tiger oak, with original copper hardware. M...

A top quality Arts and Crafts oak Hallstand by Shapland and Petter with bevelled mirror flanked by a circular copper disc with hat and coat hooks, stylised cut-outs and stylised flor...

Antique arts and crafts hand carved small wall cabinet wood brass 1900s Gorgeous antique wall cabinet from the 1900s. Gorgeous lines in solid oak...