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.
$2,206
H 13.5 in W 70 in D 5.5 in
Antique French Ormolu Gilt Bronze Dore Mantle Clock Retailed by J.N. Masters
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An Exceptional and Handsome French Louis XVI Style Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock Time Piece of outstanding quality. Made in France and retailed by J N Masters Sussex, England. Mid to late...
Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Gilt Bronze Mantle Clock By Richond of Paris
Located in Dublin, IE
A stunning 19th Century gilt bronze mantle clock by Richond of Paris, stamped by the maker H & F and is of exceptional quality. The finely cast gilt bronze clock in the Neoclassical...
Bronze, Enamel
Antique French Gilt Bronze Architectural Clock by S. Marti
Located in Palm Springs, CA
An original antique 19th C French Renaissance revival cathedral architectural theme mantle clock in solid gilt ormolu bronze (or brass) by S. Marti (stamped H & F Paris). Clock ...
Brass, Bronze
19th Century Victorian Antique Ornate Brass Desk Clock
Located in Suffolk, GB
19th century Victorian antique ornate brass desk clock having an exquisite ornate brass and enamel dial with original hands, eight day French movement in a very pretty ornate brass c...
Brass
Antique French Gilt Bronze Baroque Clock - Fully Restored and Working
Located in Belper, Derbyshire
A large and highly decorative antique French Baroque drumhead clock, exquisitely cast in richly gilded bronze. The clock is raised upon a cushion-shaped...
Bronze
Victorian Brass Novelty Clock by Elkington & Co
By Elkington & Co.
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian brass novelty clock by Elkington & Co., in the form of a double steering-wheel, one wheel enclosing a clock and the other a barometer, with ...
Brass
Mid-19th Century Gilt Bronze Strut Clock in the Style of Cole
Located in London, GB
Mid-19th century gilt bronze strut clock in the style of Cole. Original gilding and very fine engraving make this a most attractive clock. The pierced ormolu frame gives a very light...
Enamel, Ormolu
A very fine 19th century French gilt bronze clock
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine 19th century French Louis XVI gilt bronze mantle clock . Signed by the clockmaker
Bronze
$65,879
H 19.69 in W 14.18 in D 7.88 in
Large Gilt-Brass Automaton Clock with Barometer, Paris, Circa 1880
By Andre Romain Guilmet
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Rare and Large Gilt and Silvered Brass Automaton Clock With Aneroid Barometer, Modelled as a Steam-Driven Water Pump. Attributed to André Romain Guilmet (1827-1892), Paris. France...
Brass, Enamel
$30,194
H 21.26 in W 11.42 in D 9.06 in
A Large Gilt-Bronze Four-Glass Mantel Regulator Calendar Clock
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Large Gilt-Bronze Four-Glass Mantel Regulator Calendar Clock. The architectural case composed of two columns supporting a stepped top. The front and back with bevel glazed doors. The enamel clock...
Enamel, Ormolu
