Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, shoppers of the late 19th century knew it as Liberty & Co. — purveyors of fine silverware designed in the Art Nouveau style, Arts and Crafts-style furniture and an eclectic assortment of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and other goods from around the world.
British merchant Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded Liberty & Co. in 1875. Liberty dreamed of selling an assortment of fine wares he obtained in the Far East from a ship docked in the middle of one of London’s busiest shopping thoroughfares. However, he could only manage to borrow £2,000 from his father-in-law, so he settled for a small shop on Regent Street.
What began as a modest business grew exponentially over the next few years, and, by 1890, Liberty & Co. occupied most of Regent Street. Meanwhile, Liberty forged relationships with many British Art Nouveau artists and designers who were keen to work with one of the most prestigious retailers in London.
In 1899, Liberty & Co. hosted an exhibition showcasing a collection of silver pieces designed by notable silversmiths like Oliver Barker, Albert Edward Jones and Bernard Cuzner. A line of silverware called Cymric also debuted and was produced in partnership with silversmith W. H. Haseler of Birmingham and Liberty & Co.’s chief designer, Manx artist Archibald Knox. The innovative Cymric collection featured a blend of Art Nouveau with traditional Celtic style, including such pieces as candlesticks, spoons, bowls, tableware and jewelry.
Liberty & Co. also had a furniture workshop in Archway, London, run by Lawrence Turner and which employed carpenters to produce handcrafted, Arts and Crafts-style armchairs, stools, bookcases, cabinets, side tables and other furniture. Most of these high-quality and durable pieces were made of solid wood such as oak, mahogany and walnut. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty & Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid.
Liberty died in 1917, and Liberty & Co. became Liberty of London after relocating to their iconic location on Great Marlborough Street in 1924. Ironically, the imposing Tudor Revival building is constructed from the timbers of two decommissioned British Navy ships — realizing Liberty’s original “ship-store” dream.
On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Liberty & Co. serveware, seating and decorative objects.
Set 6 Liberty & Co. Sterling Silver & Enamel Demitasse Spoons by Bernard Cuzner
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine set of 6 English silver and enamel demitasse spoons Designed by Bernard Cuzner for Liberty & Co. In sterling silver. Each spoon with a handle decorated in blue and gree...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Liberty & Co. Arts & Crafts Period Antique Sterling Silver Teapot - 1914
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1914 by Liberty & Co. this beautiful, Sterling Silver Arts & Crafts Teapot features a hand hammered finish, panelled sections, a dash border and A...
Sterling Silver
Antique Arts & Crafts Style Sterling Silver Pepper Shaker by Liberty & Co. Ltd
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver pepper Shaker made by Liberty & Co Ltd in the Arts & Crafts style; an addition to our silver cruets or condiments collection. This exceptional antique George V sterling silver pepper Shaker has a tapering, rounded cylindrical shaped form with a swept domed foot. The body of this exceptional pepper is encircled with two applied bands of tiered leaf designs embellished with impressive two-toned enamel, all in the iconic Arts & Crafts style. The pepper is fitted with the original hallmarked screw fit cover with pierced 'pepper' holes to the domed portion. This exceptional example of antique silverware was crafted by the renowned silversmith Liberty & Co Ltd. Condition This antique pepper is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in excellent condition. The enamel is in prefect condition. Full hallmarks struck to the underside of the body are all very clear. The part hallmarks to the surface of the cover have wear in keeping with age and location, but remain legible Dimensions Diameter of rim 2.8cm/1.1" Diameter of foot 4.6cm/1.8" Height 9.3cm/3.7" Weight 2 troy ounces or 63.5g Maker: Liberty & Co Ltd Date: 1910 Origin: Birmingham, England Video: A video of this fine piece is available upon request. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this antique silver pepper...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Cymric, Antique Sterling Silver Pair Of Candlesticks by Liberty & Co., 1901
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1901 by Liberty & Co, this rare pair of Antique Sterling Silver Candlesticks, are in the collectible 'Cymric' design, standing on square bases with chased Celtic decoration. This rare design would be a wonderful addition to any collection of Arts and Crafts silverware...
Sterling Silver
Stunning Liberty's & Co Antique Silver Plated Tankard Cup with King Handle
By Liberty & Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original vintage Liberty’s & Co silver plated tankard A fantastic piece, fully stamped to the base L & Co silver plated The ha...
Silver Plate
Liberty & Co. Silver and Turquoise Table Mirror with Wooden Back
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Braintree, GB
Liberty & Co. silver and turquoise table mirror with wooden back. Made in England, London, 1900 Maker: Liberty & Co. Fully hallmarked. Dimensions: S...
Sterling Silver
$4,500 / set
H 11.07 in W 5.25 in D 5.25 in
Large Pair of Neoclassical Sterling Silver Column-Form Candlesticks
By Henry Wigfull
Located in New York, NY
Large pair of Neoclassical (made in the Victorian Period), sterling silver column-form candlesticks, Sheffield, England, year-hallmarked for 1898, Henry Wigful - maker. Each candlestick measures 11 1/6 inches high x 5 1/4 inches deep x 5 1/4 inches wide. Columns are swirled in design. The capital of each column is designed with acanthus leaves. The base of each candlestick is decorated with profiles of the Green Man (a good luck symbol...
Sterling Silver
$817Sale Price|30% Off
H 6.7 in Dm 3.94 in
Antique Pair of Candle Holder Silver Rococo Style Candlesticks, 1937s Home Decor
Located in Wembley, GB
Pair of Silver Candlesticks by C.G. Hallberg Rococo Style, Sweden 1937 A scarce and elegant pair of antique silver-plated Rococo-style candlesticks by the renowned Swedish silversmi...
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Silver
Set of Five Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoons
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple and elegant set of five sterling silver demitasse spoons, circa 1940s. The set is in very good vintage condition and each spoon measures...
Sterling Silver
$754 / set
H 3.82 in W 0.87 in D 0.2 in
Vintage Scandinavian Sterling Silver Guilloché Enamel Coffee Spoons – Set of 6
Located in Bergen, NO
A refined set of six Scandinavian sterling silver coffee spoons featuring delicate guilloché enamel decoration in soft blush pink and pale blue tones. Each spoon is beautifully deta...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Miniature Teapot
By Yapp & Woodward
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, miniature antique Victorian English sterling silver teapot in the Chinoiserie style; an addition to our silver teaware collection This exceptional and rare antique Victorian sterling silver miniature teapot...
Sterling Silver
$1,196Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 0.75 in W 8.25 in D 1.75 in
Christian F. Hiese 18 Piece Danish Arts & Crafts Sterling Silver Flatware Set
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This eighteen piece set of flaware was made by the well known Christian F. Hiese of Denmark in approximately 1905 in the period Arts and Crafts style. This hand hammered set is compo...
Sterling Silver
$3,440Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 6.5 in W 0.5 in D 0.25 in
Set of 36 French Gold-Plated Flatware with Mother-of-Pearl Handles, Original Box
Located in Miami, FL
Set of 36 French Gold-Plated Flatware with Mother-of-Pearl Handles, in Original Box, Set of 36 French Antique Dessert Forks & Knives, Oyster Fork Set with Gold Ferrules An exqui...
Gold Plate
$1,495 / set
H 17 in W 8.5 in D 12 in
Antique Elkington & Co. Silver Plated Spirit Kettle with Floral Decoration
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique spirit kettle was made by the well known Elkington & Co. of England in approximately 1880 and done in the period Victorian style. Th...
Silver Plate
Pair of American Tiffany Sterling Silver Monkey Candlesticks
Located in Southampton, NY
Pair of American Tiffany sterling silver monkey candlesticks.
$8,000
H 5.52 in W 9.45 in D 5.52 in
Georg Jensen Blossom Teapot in Hammered Sterling Silver with Ivory Handle
Located in København, Copenhagen
Georg Jensen Blossom teapot in hammered sterling silver with ivory handle. Model 2C. Dated 1915-1930. Measures: 24 x 14 cm (incl. Handle). In exc...
Sterling Silver
$770Sale Price / item|30% Off
H 8.27 in W 4.73 in D 4.73 in
Pair of Candle Holder Sterling Silver Antique Rococo Style Candlesticks, 1937s
Located in Wembley, GB
An exquisite pair of antique Rococo-style silver candlesticks by the distinguished Swedish silversmith C.G. Hallberg, Stockholm, circa 1937. Each piece is pressed, cast, and finely c...
Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,060Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 10.5 in W 5.38 in D 4.25 in
Pair of American Edwardian Sterling Silver Candlesticks by Gorham
By Gorham Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Edwardian sterling silver candlesticks. Made by Gorham in Providence in 1905. Each: Ovoid, tapering, and fluted shaft with interlaced script monogram; stepped oval foot. Urn ...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 2.96 in W 4.73 in L 2.96 in
Liberty Sterling Silver Toast Rack, Arts & Crafts, Bernard Cuzner 1933
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1933 by Liberty & Co., and designed by Bernard Cuzner, this stylish, Sterling Silver Toast Rack, is in the Arts & Crafts taste, and will hold 6 slices of ...
Sterling Silver
Antique George V Sterling Silver Caster by Liberty & Co Ltd
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver caster made in the Art Deco style by Liberty & Co Ltd, an addition ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Liberty of London, Set Six Silver & Moss Agate Cake Forks, 1924
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Bath, GB
A magnificent set of six cake / pastry forks, also perfect as cocktail forks. Made from English Sterling silver by the famous Liberty of London, each marked L&Co and each hallmarked ...
Agate, Sterling Silver
Liberty & Co Ltd Art Nouveau Style Sterling Silver and Enamel Christening Set
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Edwardian English sterling silver and enamel christening set in the Art Nouveau style; an addition to our collection of silver christening gifts. This exceptional antique Edwardian sterling silver and enamel christening set consists of a napkin ring and a spoon. The surface of the napkin ring is encompassed with three embossed Art...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sold
H 4.34 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Liberty & Co. Arts & Crafts Antique Sterling Silver Box by Bernard Cuzner 1915
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1915 by Liberty & Co., and designed by Bernard Cuzner, this wonderful, George V, antique sterling silver box, is in the Arts & Crafts style, with a hand-hamme...
Sterling Silver
Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver Tea and Coffee Spoons
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive set of six antique George V English sterling silver tea / coffee spoons made by Liberty & Co Ltd, in the Art Deco style - boxed; part of our collectable silverware collection. These exceptional antique George V English sterling silver tea/coffee spoons have a plain rounded bowl. The chamfered stem of each spoon terminates with a tiered fan style design with a matte texture, in the iconic Art Deco style. These Liberty and Co silver...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 1.19 in W 7.09 in D 6.3 in
First World War Interest - Enamel & Sterling Silver Coffee Spoons by Liberty
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1916 by Liberty & Co., this novelty set of six sterling silver coffee spoons feature enameled terminals depicting a man in “Convalescent Blues” - a special uniform issued to First World War battle...
Sterling Silver
Antique Sterling Silver Enamelled Teapot by Liberty & Co. 1909
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1909 by Liberty & Co. This exquisite Edwardian, antique, sterling silver teapot is in the Arts & Crafts style. It has been embellished with two bands of enamel and an enameled finial in the Classic liberty blue...
Sterling Silver
Sold
H 3.55 in W 10.24 in D 9.06 in
Arts & Crafts Large Sterling Silver Condiment Set by Liberty & Co.
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham, in 1939, by Liberty & Co., this fantastic and collectible sterling silver Arts & Crafts condiment set has the typical features of the period, with hand-hamm...
Sterling Silver
Liberty & Co Ltd 1917 Antique Sterling Silver Photograph Frame
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver photograph frame made by Liberty & Co Ltd; an addition to our collection of ornamental silverware. Thi...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Sold
H 4.22 in W 3.23 in D 0.75 in
1901 Archibald Knox Cymric Sterling Silver Cigarette Case Liberty's & Co Enamel
By Archibald Knox, Liberty & Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this stunning original 1901 Archibald Knox Cymric Liberty & Co Sterling Silver and Enamel cigarette case A stunning and very collectable piece of Liberty’s ste...
Enamel, Stainless Steel
Sold
H 0.6 in W 1.19 in D 1.78 in
Archibald Knox Cymric Sterling Silver Vesta Matches Case Liberty's & Co Enamel
By Archibald Knox, Liberty & Co.
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original Archibald Knox Cymric Liberty & Co Sterling Silver and Enamel vesta case A stunning and very collectable piece of Liberty...
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Jacob & Co. is considered expensive for a few reasons. For one thing, the watch collectors of the world know the watchmaker for its multicolored-gemstone designs as well as its oversized and innovative complications. There are substantial costs related to the design, assembly and premium materials associated with Jacob & Co.’s luxury watches, which are painstakingly crafted in Switzerland and sold all over the world. The price tag reflects the brand’s use of meticulously sourced round brilliant cut diamonds and metals such as 18-karat gold. Additionally, only a limited number of timepieces leave the watchmaker's workshops each year, so demand usually far exceeds supply. Find Jacob & Co. watches for sale on 1stDibs.