Bruce James Talbert was one of the most noteworthy furniture designers of the 19th century. The Scottish architect, draftsman and designer created stunning pieces of Gothic furniture and his landmark book, Gothic Forms Applied To Furniture, Metalwork and Decoration For Domestic Purposes, was influential on the Gothic Revival movement both in Europe and North America.
Born in 1838, Talbert started his career as an apprentice to a woodcarver in Dundee, Scotland. When he was 18 years old, he was briefly employed by the architect Charles Edward. He subsequently had several successful partnerships with design firms and manufacturers.
In 1862, Talbert moved to Manchester, England, where he was hired to design furniture for Doveston, Bird & Hull. Later that year, British metalworker Francis Skidmore hired him to his company, Art Manufacturers. During his time with the company, Talbert worked on Sir George Gilbert Scott’s Hereford Screen, a major Gothic Revival iron design, and the Albert Memorial. In 1866, Holland & Sons furniture manufacturer in London hired Talbert. He won the silver medal at the International Exposition of 1867 in Paris and, in 1868, he became the lead designer for Gillows of Lancaster and London. There, Talbert expanded his line of work, exploring different media and producing beautiful tiles, stained glass, textiles and metalwork.
Talbert influenced the Gothic Revival style with his detailed furniture designs, recognizable for their gold and wood mosaic inlays. His many publications on woodworking and cabinetmaking further guided the American industry, including the work of furniture designers Herter Brothers, Kimbel and Cabus, Frank Furness and Daniel Pabst.
On 1stDibs, find Bruce James Talbert case pieces and storage cabinets, seating, tables and more.
Bruce Talbert, by Gillows & Co. Aesthetic Movement chess table
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert, made by Gillows and Co. An exceptional exhibition-quality Aesthetic Movement chess table inlaid with boxwood to the chessboard top, with three baluster legs incised an...
Boxwood, Walnut
B Talbert for Gillows Aesthetic Movement Davenport with Central Carved Rosette
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce J Talbert for Gillows of Lancaster. An Aesthetic Movement Davenport with a brass gallery to the back and an inkwell and pen compartment below, a...
Mahogany
$1,845
H 25.6 in W 16.34 in D 16.34 in
ANTIQUE VICTORIAN AESTHETIC MOVEMENT STYLE TiLED TOP CHESSBOARD CHESS TABLE
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning antique Victorian Mahogany games table with Chessboard Tiled top and stamped to the base with ...
Hardwood
Custom Chess Set and Game Table
By Bridges over Time Originals
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A custom made walnut and maple chess set and game table we commissioned. It is solidly made with squares of curly maple and walnut. The table legs and borders are solid walnut. The c...
Birdseye Maple, Oak, Walnut
Trojan XXI Chess Table & Set
Located in Ostrava, CZ
Trojan, a coffee table at first sight, is hiding space that holds similar amount of fighters as a legendary Trojan horse. 32 chess pieces made by Towarna, are cast from concrete, one of first composite materials, used already in ancient Rome. Chess, which evolved from the Persian chess...
Concrete
Suede Backgammon and Chess Table, 1990s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elegant game table with removal top. One side of the table is plain suede and the reverse side is a chess board in suede. Cover lifts off to reveal suede backgammon playing surface. ...
Glass, Suede, Wood
Antique Victorian Inlaid Walnut Chess Table
Located in London, GB
A superb antique Victorian inlaid walnut chess table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1860-1880’s period. It is beautifully made predominantly from walnut, the to...
Walnut
Antique Victorian Inlaid Chess Table
Located in London, GB
An amazing antique Victorian inlaid chess table. This was made in England, it dates from around the 1860-1880’s period. It is beautifully made, the top has an inlaid chessboard made...
Wood
$1,942Sale Price|40% Off
H 33.86 in W 19.3 in D 20.87 in
19th Century Hand Carved Walnut Davenport Writing Desk made in England
Located in Sofia, BG
Davenport desk in walnut and burlwood veneer, inlaid in filleted frames, opening with two flaps, one of which is stepped, the first revealing an inkwell and letter compartment, The s...
Walnut
$18,862
H 26.38 in W 24.81 in D 24.81 in
21th Century Italian Table, Chess Board, Chess Game Gold /Silver plated brass
By Arval Argenti Valenza
Located in VALENZA, IT
Chess table and chess game in bronze and brass made with the ancient casting technique. After the casting, the finishing was chiseled and subsequently silvered and finished with 24-k...
Brass, Bronze
Contemporary Carved Wood Chess Table and Chessmen
Located in Astoria, NY
Contemproary Carved Wood Chess Table and Chessmen, the chess board top above two drawers. 25.75" H x 18" W x 18" D. Provenance: From a New York City Collection.
Wood
Baroque Chess Table, Germany 1750
Located in Leimen, DE
This rare Baroque chess table from Germany, dating to around 1750, combines decorative artistry with timeless functionality. Crafted from solid and veneered walnut, the table showcas...
Walnut, Yew
Trojan IXX Chess Table and Set
Located in Ostrava, CZ
Trojan, a coffee table at first sight, is actually a hiding space that holds similar amount of fighters as the legendary Trojan Horse. Figures made by TOWARNA are cast from concrete - one of first composite materials used already in ancient Rome.Chess, which have evolved from Persian chess...
Concrete
Antique Mahogany Davenport Writing Desk
Located in Benington, Herts
This attractive mahogany Edwardian Davenport / writing desk, circa 1900s has been constructed from quality solid mahogany having a raised back above a fall front moulded edge writing slope with a raised and fielded panelled cupboard door standing on bracket feet. The Davenport's top section has a brass hinged mahogany lift up lid to reveal an original lead lined storage...
Mahogany
Sold
H 29 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in
Bruce Talbert an Aesthetic Movement Ebonized Plant Stand with Inset Minton Tile
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert. An Aesthetic movement ebonized plant stand, with turned details and gilt highlights, inset with a hand-painted Minton pottery tile decorated with Cherry Blossom and if...
Ceramic, Walnut