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.
Pair Japanese Art Deco Taisho Bronze Cachepot Planters or Orchid Pots Circa 1920
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair antique Japanese Art Deco Taisho bronze cachepot planters or orchid pots, circa 1920. Each with loose ring handles at the sides and reticulated rims. Two tone bronze with brown ...
Bronze
18th c. George III Brass Bound Mahogany Wine Bottle Caddy Cellarette Ice Cooler
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique 18th century George III brass bound mahogany wine bottle caddy circa 1790. Oval cellarette with room for two wine bottles. Brass carrying handle and removable mahogany fitted...
Brass
Pair 19th c. French Empire Paris Porcelain Apricot Cachepot Planters & Stands
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair 19th c. French Paris porcelain cachepot planters with lion mask handles in the Empire taste. Each decorated with panels of flowers on one side and courting couples in a landscap...
Porcelain
Old Sheffield Plate Silver on Copper Wine Bottle Coolers Lion Mask Handles 1820
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair antique 19th century Old Sheffield plate silver on copper wine bottle coolers with lion mask ring handles circa 1820. Each with removable collars. Measure 8 1/2" tall x 7" diame...
Sheffield Plate
19th c. French Brass Oval Monteith Verrier Rafraichissoir or Jardinaire Cachepot
Located in Litchfield, CT
Antique 19th century French brass oval monteith jardiniere. Nicely shaped rim with pleasing bright patina. Measures 12" across over handles, 7 3/4" wide at the top opening and 4" tal...
Brass
19th century French Empire Tole Monteiths or Cachepot Jardinieres
By Thomas Hope
Located in Litchfield, CT
Pair antique early 19th century French Empire neoclassical tole monteiths or cachepot jardinieres circa 1820. Oval shape with handles at the side. Decorated with gold winged horses o...
Metal
Pair of English 1920s Copper Cache-Pot Planters with Etched Foliage Decor
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of English copper cache-pot planters from the early 20th century, with ring pull handles, etched foliage and raised motifs. Created in England during the first quarter of the ...
Copper
Copper wine cooler with brass handles schwitzerland around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Copper wine cooler with brass handles schwitzerland around 1920s Copper and brass polished and stove enameled
Brass, Copper
Pair Of Antique Ice Cream Moulds, English Copper Lidded Pots, Harrods, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a pair of antique ice cream moulds. An English, copper and brass lidded pot by Harrods, dating to the late Victorian period, circa 1880. Beautifully presented dessert mould...
Brass, Copper
J S & Sons. A pair of Arts and Crafts copper planter with floral decoration
Located in London, GB
Joseph Sankey & Sons. A pair of Arts and Crafts copper planters with floral decoration. One is slightly bigger. Stamped J S & S. Made in England. Solid Brass.
Copper
Copper Plant Pots, Italy Mid-20th Century
Located in Greding, DE
Pair of copper plant pots with relief walls and wavy rim. One pot shows stylised warriors, the other pomegranates.
Copper
Pair of 19th Century French Copper Grain Measure Buckets with Side Handles
Located in Dallas, TX
This pair of antique grain measuring recipients were crafted in France, circa 1870. The buckets feature copper strapping motifs, forged nails on the outside and two side handles. The...
Copper
