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.
Sculptural Bronze Art Deco Floor Lamp by The Crest Company circa 1930
By The Crest Company, Chicago
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A striking and rare transitional floor lamp by The Crest Company of Chicago, crafted circa 1930 in a refined interplay of bronze and silvered bronze, topped with its original bronzed...
Bronze
French 1950s Whimsical Wrought Iron Floor Lamp with Brass Collars
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A beautifully sculptural French wrought-iron floor lamp, 1950s. The column is formed from interlaced iron rods-open, twisted, and rhythmically spaced-held in place with original bras...
Brass, Iron
Silvered Bronze Lamp Attributed to E.F. Caldwell
By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A striking silver-plated bronze table lamp, attributed to E.F. Caldwell & Co., one of the most important American lighting firms of the early 20th century. Dating to around 1910, thi...
Bronze, Silver Plate
Austrian Turned Walnut Floor Lamp, circa 1915
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A substantial and sculptural turned walnut floor lamp, crafted in the Biedermeier style, with a commanding 18-inch diameter base and beautifully executed proportions. The warm, highly figured walnut is expertly lathe-turned into a sweeping architectural form that references 19th-century European classicism while remaining strikingly modern in silhouette. Producing a turned piece of this scale—especially with such balance and clarity—would have required exceptional skill and specialized equipment, particularly during the early to mid-20th century when this lamp was likely produced. The sheer size of the base and the consistency of the turning across its full height suggest a level of craftsmanship often reserved for architectural columns or custom commissions. The result is a floor lamp that feels as much like a piece of sculpture as a functional object. The lamp is designed in the tradition of Biedermeier, the early 19th-century Central European style known for its simplicity, symmetry, and reverence for fine materials. Though pared down in ornament, this style was favored by intellectuals, artists, and aristocrats for its quiet elegance and timeless restraint. Originally sourced from David Duncan Antiques...
Walnut, Lacquer
French Modern Style Gilt Iron Table Lamp
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
An elegant table lamp featuring a gilt iron globe, gracefully supported by a round black marble base. The design draws inspiration from the iconic work of Jean Royère, celebrated for...
Marble, Iron
Patinated Brass Adjustable 'Eyeball' Lamp by Oscar Torlasco
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A rare and sculptural adjustable floor lamp designed in 1955 by Oscar Torlasco for the esteemed Italian lighting company Lumi. Crafted in patinated brass and black enamel, the lamp f...
Crystal, Brass, Enamel
Art Deco Italian Floor Lamp in Copper
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Floor lamp, copper, Italy, 1930s This striking floor lamp was made in Italy in the 1930s. Crafted entirely from copper, it features a tall, slender silhouette with a wide bowl-shape...
Copper
Iron Floor Lamp With Bronze-Like Patina - France, 1940s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Stylish iron floor lamp with a verdigris textured bronze finish.
Italian floor lamp from the 1930s/40s in patinated copper
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian floor lamp from the 1930s/40s, in patinated copper. In very good vintage condition, with a beautiful patina. Note some micro-scratches and minor dents on the metal, particula...
Copper
Late 20th Century Patinated Copper Floor Lamp
Located in Germantown, MD
30th Century patinated Copper finish floor lamp in very good vintage condition. Measures 9.5" wide, 9.5" deep and stands 57" tall to the top of the finial.
Metal
German Art Deco Floor Lamp, Copper & Crystal, 1920 by Art Decor
By Art Decor
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
German Art Deco standing lamp. Copper plated and glass spheres at the bottom of the shade. Germany, CIRCA 1920.
Crystal, Copper
French Steel and Brass 1930s Floor Lamp with Scrolling Legs and Foliage Motifs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French steel and brass floor lamp from circa 1930 with two light sockets, scrolling legs and foliage motifs. This French steel and brass floor lamp from circa 1930 is a testament t...
Brass, Steel
