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Bruce James Talbert Desks and Writing Tables

Scottish, 1838-1881

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.

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Creator: Bruce James Talbert
Bruce Talbert for Gillow and Co. A Gothic Revival Oak and Leather Writing Table
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce Talbert (1838-1881) for Gillow and Co., an oak two-drawer writing table, with a later red leather top, stamped mark, no. L9534.
Category

Late 19th Century English Gothic Revival Antique Bruce James Talbert Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Oak

Bruce Talbert for Gillow and Co. A Gothic Revival Oak and Leather Writing Table
Bruce Talbert for Gillow and Co. A Gothic Revival Oak and Leather Writing Table

Bruce Talbert for Gillow and Co. A Gothic Revival Oak and Leather Writing Table

$3,401
B Talbert for Gillows Aesthetic Movement Davenport with Central Carved Rosette
By Bruce James Talbert
Located in London, GB
Bruce J Talbert for Gillows of Lancaster. An Aesthetic Movement Davenport with a brass gallery to the back and an inkwell and pen compartment below, a...
Category

Late 19th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Bruce James Talbert Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Mahogany

B Talbert for Gillows Aesthetic Movement Davenport with Central Carved Rosette
B Talbert for Gillows Aesthetic Movement Davenport with Central Carved Rosette

B Talbert for Gillows Aesthetic Movement Davenport with Central Carved Rosette

$7,075
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Bruce James Talbert desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.

Bruce James Talbert desks and writing tables are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Bruce James Talbert desks and writing tables, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original desks and writing tables by Bruce James Talbert were created in the Arts and Crafts style in united kingdom during the 19th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider desks and writing tables by and Edwards Roberts. Prices for Bruce James Talbert desks and writing tables can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,160 and can go as high as $8,217, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,689.

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