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.
Liberty & Co. A rare Moorish Anglo-Japanese walnut sidetable
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. A rare Moorish/Anglo Japanese walnut side table with Musharabieh turnings to the four opposite corners and Moorish arches between with turned bobbins to each side and...
Walnut
Liberty & Co. An Arts & Crafts oak two tier side table with Moorish aprons.
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co (attributed). An Arts and Crafts oak two tier side table with Moorish aprons underneath the top.
Oak
William Birch for Liberty & Co. an Arts & Crafts Oak Fold Over Card Table
By Liberty & Co., William Birch
Located in London, GB
William Birch for Liberty and Co. A good quality sturdy Arts & Crafts oak fold over card table with precise mitred corners to the top on splayed ring turned legs united by an H-stre...
Oak
Liberty and Co (attributed). A good quality Arts & Crafts oak drop-leaf table
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co attributed. A good quality Arts & Crafts oak drop-leaf table with A frame design and lower stretchers to the shaped feet.
Oak
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut octagonal center table
By Collinson & Lock
Located in London, GB
Collinson & Lock attributed. An Aesthetic Movement walnut six leg octagonal two tier center table with fine turned legs and out swept feet. The construction has radiating stretchers ...
Walnut
An Arts & Crafts Glasgow School walnut side table w. moulded subtly curving edge
Located in London, GB
An Arts and Crafts Glasgow School walnut side table with moulded subtly curving edge on square tapering legs united by a twin stretcher with stylized feather carving to the centre of...
Walnut
Late 19th Century Continental Carved Walnut Writing Table on Leather Inset Top
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this charming 19th century carved walnut writing table with leather inset top. This table has beautiful carvings all around, making it very eleg...
Leather, Walnut
Edwardian Mahogany Card Table by Edwards and Roberts, England, c1900
Located in High Peak, GB
J023 A superb quality Edwardian Edwards and Roberts card table in mahogany, having figured fold over to enclosing new baize above figured mahogany frieze with decorative spindles, st...
Mahogany
Antique Italian Renaissance Revival Walnut Figural Library Table Writing Desk 52
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Neo-Renaissance Revival parlor / library table or writing desk, circa 1870s Made of walnut featuring Neoclassical styling with high relief figural carvings of cherubs / putti...
Walnut
French Victorian Style Ornate Carved Walnut Folding Table, 1920
Located in Barntrup, DE
An ornate and elegant Victorian-style folding table with carvings, made of walnut, France, circa the 1920s. In good antique condition, with slight age-related signs of wear. Dimensio...
Wood, Walnut
19th Century Aesthetic Movement Moorish Carved Walnut & Inlay Table
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Very Rare 19th-Century Carved Walnut & Inlaid Aesthetic Movement Moorish Writing Table / Desk An exceptional and very rare late 19th-century English Aesthetic Movement writing tab...
Walnut
Late 19th Century French Henri II Style Hand Carved Walnut Writing Table or Desk
Located in Fayetteville, AR
This late nineteenth century French Henri II style writing table is constructed of solid walnut and features hand carved detailing of rosettes and acanthus leaves on the sides. A sin...
Iron
