Arts and Crafts Furniture

Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Rocking Chair in the style of the Stickley Bros. Quarter sawn oak and stained in a rich deep brown that has mellowed and aged over 100 years. Beautiful wide...

Giuseppe Augusto Levis (1873-1926), this painting from 1912 depicting a simple A-frame tent with spikes in a desert background near dusk, in a period guilloche frame with a gilded ra...

A fine American Arts & Crafts pottery vase. By the Niloak Pottery Company from Benton, Arkansas. In their marbleized Mission Ware line. Stamped to th...

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...

This rare and decorative early 20th-century Arts & Crafts wall barometer and thermometer is a striking testament to Dutch craftsmanship. Hand-carved from a single solid piece of rich...

A gorgeous antique Tibetan bronze filigree and inlaid agate trinket box or ceremonial wedding box China, Early 20th Century Measures: 6.5"W x 6.5"D x 3.75"H. Good original vintage...

An incredible early 20th century electrolier made in England by F&C Osler. c.1910 Constructed entirely from brass to the highest quality with cast dragons heads to each branch suppo...

Josép Cardona i Furró bronze sculpture of a boy. Spain, late 19th Century / early 20th century. This is a bronze sculpture of a boy, made by famous Spanish sculptor Josép Cardona i Furró (1878-1922). Cardona was a good friend of Pablo Picasso and also shared a studio with him. He is part of the second generation of Spanish modernist sculptors. He worked mainly in Spain, but also did work in Paris - which might explain the French inscription on this very sculpture. A joyful and delicate work, which shows a boy standing...

Beautiful Hand Embroidered Arts and Crafts Era Folding Screen, American, circa 1910s. The embroidered design depicts a flower filled meadow with swallows flying through the air. This...

Top quality and large size, handcrafted, triple light entry-hall lantern. With early 20th century lighting as one of our specialities, we are always happy to find a pendant, lantern...

Liberty & Co. an Arts & Crafts 'A' framed hand-hammered copper wall mirror. With the original bevelled glass plate mirror.

A gorgeous set of four Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period bronze blotter corners featuring symbols of the Zodiac, with a custom blue leather desk blotter. By Tiffany Studios (blotter ...

Stunning and elegant Arts & Crafts lantern wall light or sconce. Striking English design from the 1900s. Original patinated wrought frame and lantern with original yellow glass shade...

This is an antique Handel table/desk lamp Arts and Crafts. It is signed (as pictured). The bronze base with the original patina. The switch is in perf...

A gorgeous antique sterling silver serving tray By Tiffany & Co. (signed to the underside) USA, Circa Early 20th Century Measures: 8...

Old Teak Cupboard with 10 Drawers A very old somewhat primitive piece, there is an upper enclosed section with 10 drawers below, the interior has been used both as a hanging cupboar...

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...

This is a great sized Gustav Stickley Chest of Drawers from the early 1900s in great condition. It has a SUPERB selection of quarter sawn oak, as pictured. It is signed with a Gusta...

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period gilt bronze pedestal bowl or compote dish By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th...

Important Gustav Stickley Chair c, 1902 - Marked! - Excellent Condition This is an important Gustav Stickley Arm Chair with a box decal signature. ...

An adjustable brass 'Pullman' lamp made by the General Electric co. Circa 1905. Fitted with hooks to allow the lamp to be adjusted and used as either a table lamp, a wall light or t...

This set of four antique bentwood cafe chairs designed by Josef Hoffman and manufactured by Thonet are circa 1920. The iconic bentwood cafe bistro chair has a simple design with eleg...

An Arts and Crafts copper coal bucket with a pivoting handle and floral repousse decoration to the sides, retaining a warm unpolished chocolate coloured patina.

Small Inlaid Side Table From the Early 20th Century in light brown A small table with floral marquetry, featuring four openwork legs and a rou...

Antique Gustav Stickley Wardrobe This is one of the cleanest & nicest pieces I’ve seen in the last 50 years. This wardrobe looks like it was made yesterday. It was purchased by a m...

***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** Arts & Crafts JM Young Mission Oak Slat-Back Settle with Cushion, C1910 Measures - 33.5"h x 81...

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

Early 20th C. American phonograph, produced by the Kimberley Phonograph Company, as indicated by the plaque on the inside of the cabinet. The phonograph is housed in a wooden cabinet...

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...

Exceptional Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau table lamp, with bronze base, bronze and mica shade. The lamp features an organic vase form base, with stylized legs, and arms, which suppor...

Early 20th Century Irish Donegal Arts & Crafts Carpet ( 15' x 32' - 457 x 976 )

overall having a faded green painted patina and hanging from vertical chains on a horizontal bar, a circular medallion centered between the chains, the medallion representing the poi...

Great quality, forged in fire, castle design candle chandelier / pendant light. This finer quality and all hand-forged, eight-light chandelier comes with some really beautiful detai...

***Reduced In-House Delivery Rates - Click on “Ask Seller” to Request a Quote***Antique Gunn Arts and Crafts Mahogany Four Stack Barrister Bookcase C1920. Measures- 62.25"H x 34.25"W...

G M Ellwood for J S Henry attributed. An English Arts and Crafts mahogany armchair with stylized floral inlaid decoration with thebes style feet. Old repair to top of front leg. Prof...

A stylish Arts & Crafts Royal Doulton Brangwynware leaf and berry pattern vase designed by Sir Frank William Brangwyn RA RWS RBA (1867-1956) and dating from around 1925. The vase of ...

A very fine Ruskin Arts & Crafts miniature art pottery bowl decorated with blue lustre style glazes by renowned potter William Howson Taylor (British, 1876 – 1935) dated 1913. Rusk...

A beautiful Art Deco or Arts & Crafts period verdigris bronze lidded footed bowl or compote dish By Carl Sorensen USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5.38"W x 5.38"D x 3.88"H. Very...

Roycroft Arts & Crafts Copper Forged Bulbous Vase/Oil Lamp Base Roycroft Inn at East Aurora, NY USA, circa 1905 Available for acquisition is this fine Roycroft Arts & Crafts Copper ...

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...

Austrian Jugendstil bronze centerpiece with country girl figure, circa 1900. Step into the poetic world of late 19th-century Austria with this captivating bronze jardinière, an exquisite marriage of function and artistry. Sculpted in the romantic spirit of the Jugendstil movement, this rare piece features a serene country girl, clad in traditional dress, resting effortlessly against a broad, rounded vessel, her poised posture and delicate features immortalized in warm patinated bronze. The girl holds a pair of modest pails, subtly referencing the pastoral rhythms of daily life, while the vessel itself, with its softly aged surface and understated curves, echoes the organic sensibilities of the Art Nouveau period. Together, they form a visual narrative that celebrates simplicity, femininity, and timeless craftsmanship. This jardinière is more than decorative, it’s a statement piece. Whether placed on a grand console, as a centerpiece on a dining table, or displayed on a marble plinth, it invites conversation and admiration. A museum-quality object with both soul and presence, perfect for collectors of fine Viennese bronzes or aficionados of decorative arts from the turn of the century. This antique objet d’art...

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze large plate or charger By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 12.13"W x 1...

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.

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 ...

Large size, great shape and excellent condition antique coat rack. If you are looking for a stylish and practical coat rack in the Arts & Crafts style then this period piece could be perfect for you. It is truly stylish, entirely original and, as you can see in our images, it is in very good condition. This quality antique is handcrafted from solid oak and it comes with the inlaid, hand painted and glazed tiles. These tiles are extra special, because on top of the glazing are unique, gilt and stylized flower motifs. This luxurious and colorful coat rack also comes with all the original and aesthetically beautiful hooks...

This Arts and Crafts "Mission Style" oak table was designed by American interior and furniture designer Gustav Stickley, circa 1907-1912. It features a high quality American made, so...

Liberty & Co in the style of CFA Voysey. An Arts & Crafts oak dining set consisting of six chairs and a matching dining table. The five single dining chai...

Antique arts & crafts period custom made cherry wood (I believe it is cherry, not positive) plant stand, circa 1930s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measure 11.5"W ...

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...

Arts & crafts impressionist landscape painting, Chicago Artist, 1926 This painting is a perfect example of the Arts & Crafts movement. It is a matur...

Nice quality and ideal size, handcrafted, triple light entry-hall lantern. With early 20th century lighting as one of our specialities, we are always happy to find a pendant, lant...

***Reduced Delivery Rates - See Below or Click “Ask The Seller” to Request a Quote*** Arts & Crafts Style Carved Oak Cellaret with Figural Cast Phoenix Hardware, Slide Out Drawers a...

Magnificent and ultra rare Arts & Crafts armoire or wardrobe. Design by Jac. van den Bosch for 't Binnenhuis Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from 1910. Solid American walnut with eb...

Antique Roycroft Arts & Crafts Mission Oak Foot Stool C1910 Measures- 10"H x 15.75"W x 4.25"D

George Montague Ellwood, designer (attributed). A rare Arts and Crafts Walnut and inlaid upright iron framed piano made by John Brinsmead and Sons, London...

Early 20th Century Irish Donegal Arts & Crafts Carpet 13'3" x 14' - 404 x 427

A detailed geometric umbrella-shaped slag glass pendant light fixture from the early 20th century. The slag glass is variegated pale amber and yellow-green with bronze-toned framing....

A pine bookcase designed by architect Martin Nyrop and made by cabinetmaker Rudolph Rasmussen during the early 20th century. This bookcase, until recently, was part of the interior ...

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...

Magnificent and ultra rare library chair or library steps opus 1536. Design by Jac. van den Bosch for 't Binnenhuis Amsterdam. Striking Dutch design from the 1900s. Solid patinated a...