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.
Archibald Knox Liberty & Co. Enamel Basket, English, circa 1900
By Archibald Knox
Located in Toronto, ON
Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co, English C.1900. Tudric pewter and turquoise enamel basket, pierced honesty leaf decoration, open work sides and base, the handle embellished with lea...
Enamel
Antique Silver Inkstand Inkwell, London 1899 Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co
By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Silver Inkstand Inkwell, London 1899 Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co. Plain rectangular form on four turned feet, shaped chippendale li...
Silver
Rare Design English Dessert Fruit Set Martin Hall Co
Located in Toronto, ON
Set of 24 Antique English Silver Plate Lunch Dessert knives and forks, C.1853, Martin Hall & Co. The Service comprises 12 knives and 12 forks, tapered quadrilateral handles; the hand...
Antique Chinese Silver Lemon Fork with Tea Kettle finial, C.1900
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Chinese Silver Lemon Fork with Tea Kettle finial, C.1900. Lemon wedge fork splay tines, bamboo style stem. Could also be used as an hors d'oeuvres pick. Chinese mark and test...
Silver
Antique Silver travelling Inkwell London 1839
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Silver travelling Inkwell London 1839 prob Thomas Diller. Vermeuil Silver rectangular inkwell plain with moulded borders and a hinged screw-down cover surmounted by a folding...
Silver, Other
Antique Silver Table or Desk Cigar Cutter London 1903 W. H. Webber.
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Silver Table or Desk Cigar Cutter London 1903 W. H. Webber. Adjustable screw to allow access to cigar clippings. Cutting mechanism activated when pressed down from the top. F...
Silver
Archibald Knox Liberty Tudric Pewter Tea Set and Tray, circa 1905
By Liberty & Co.
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Archibald Knox Liberty Tudric Pewter tea set and tray, circa 1905.Teapot, cream jug, sugar and tray, each with relief whiplash curved Celtic ornament in...
Pewter
Antique Sheffield Silverplate Tea Set, Victorian Style, 1920s-1930s
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Elegant classic antique sheffield silverplate tea set- 3 pieces. These are silver plated with black Bakelite handles and lid knobs. They are from c...
Silver Plate, Pewter
Antique four piece silver tea set, Sheffield, England, 1930s
By Sheffield
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Antique four piece silver plate tea set made in Sheffield, England in the 1930s. Of plain form, on four claw feet, all with egg and bead rim the teapot and water pot with wooden hand...
Silver Plate
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Tea and Coffee Set with Matching Tray
By PRIA & SARI
Located in VALENZA, IT
Large oval tea and coffee service in 800 solid silver on feet, completely handcrafted and lightly hammered. The oval shape, particularly difficult to make as it is completely shaped ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
American Arts & Crafts Hammered Silver Plate Tea Service by Meriden, circa 1920s
By Meriden Silver Plate Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Early 20th-century three-piece hammered silver plate tea service by Meriden Britannia Company (Meriden Silver Plate Co.), model 2402, produced under International Silver Company, cir...
Silver Plate, Metal
Liberty and Co. An Arts and Crafts six piece pewter tudric tea set
By Liberty & Co.
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co. An Arts and Crafts six piece pewter tudric tea set, consisting of a teapot, water jug, milk, sugar and a tea strainer with base. Stamped to the base, '6, Tudric, Engl...
Pewter
