Liberty of London Side Chairs
British
The Liberty of London department store, located in the fashionable west end of London in the United Kingdom, has been selling luxury items since 1875. From leather footstools in the shape of a hippo to elegantly hand-carved Moroccan coffee tables, there’s something to please every discerning collector. And while it became a reputable retailer over time, the original Liberty Co. was a pivotal force in the development of the Aesthetic, Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movements. As the champion of eclectic design throughout the centuries, Liberty continues to collaborate with designers to produce covetable interior fashion and accessories.
Arthur Liberty was born in 1843 in Buckinghamshire, England. His father, a draper, encouraged him to apprentice as a draper at age 16. Instead, he took an offer to work at Farmer and Rogers, a women’s fashion store. After ten years, he decided to strike out on his own. In 1875 he borrowed money from his father-in-law and leased a small store on the very prominent Regent Street, naming it the East India House.
Liberty’s store was very eclectic. It served as an emporium for Eastern imports, with a wildly varied collection of ornaments, fabrics and objects d’art — including imported antiques — on offer. In London, there was already a demand for and an interest in imported goods from India and elsewhere, so his business concept was an immediate success. He repaid his loan in less than two years and continually expanded by buying up all the buildings on his side of the street. His company was so successful that even the original Victoria and Albert Museum purchased Eastern textiles for its collection from his store.
By 1890, the firm came to be known as Liberty Company. Liberty died in 1917, but the business continued to thrive. In 1924, the current iteration — and now world-famous — of the store was constructed. It was built in the Tudor Revival style and the structure's frame was made of wood salvaged from two British warships. In the 1950s and '60s, the store, now known as Liberty’s, helped spark the counterculture youth movements of the era as beatniks and hippies purchased fabrics and furnishings from this iconic store.
On 1stDibs, find antique Liberty of London tables, decorative objects, seating and more.
to
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
50
122
119
99
45
Creator: Liberty of London
Very Rare Original Liberty
s London Signed Qing Dynasty Chair Floral Carving
By Liberty of London
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to this stunning and exceptionally rare original Liberty’s London signed Qing dynasty chair
I have never seen one of these chair...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Qing Antique Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Related Items
Original Rare Otto Wagner Chair by Thonet Vienna 1901 Jugendstil
By Gebrüder Thonet Vienna GmbH, Woka Lamps, Otto Wagner
Located in Vienna, AT
Stained beachwood, seat and back with leather, seat height 46cm (18,11")
Lit.: "Gebogenes Holz", Asenbaum /Hummel 1979, p:29.
Category
Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Leather, Beech
$10,752
H 29.93 in W 22.05 in D 23.63 in
Thonet Chair - Original Herbatschek Series N ° 243711
By Thonet
Located in Padova, IT
Thonet chair - original Herbatschek series n ° 243711 - squared seat - in black laquered beech wood and Vienna straw. Very good condition – no restauration - the chair has never been...
Category
1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Straw, Beech
Rare Neoclassical Style Side Chair with Caduceus Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Very rare caduceus carved back to a traditional neoclassical style side chair. The richly historical and ancient Caduceus symbol features ...
Category
19th Century Neoclassical Antique Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Wood
Rare White Paul McCobb Origami Chair on Spider Base
By Paul McCobb
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1960s vintage white molded fiberglass Origami shell chair designed by Paul McCobb on very scarce spider base. A stunning example of this rarely seen combo. The faceted chair...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass
Bauhaus Very Rare Chrome Cantilever Pagholz Chairs
By Pagholz Flötotto
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare cantilever Pagholz chairs the seat and back was made at the Pagholz manufacture in Germany.
The frame is beautifully chromed tubular with feets that come forwards to prevent tip...
Category
1930s German Bauhaus Vintage Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Metal
$555 Sale Price / item
50% Off
H 31.5 in W 16.54 in D 21.66 in
Pair of Antique Late Qing Dynasty Elmwood Scholar
s Chairs with Sinuous Back
Located in Yonkers, NY
A pair of antique late Qing Dynasty elmwood scholar's ceremonial chairs from the early 20th century, with dark patina and sinuous back splats. This pair of antique late Qing Dynasty ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Elm
$2,400 / set
H 40 in W 21 in D 16.5 in
Pair of Qing Dynasty Hongmu Armchairs
Located in London, GB
This pair of carved Chinese hongmu or rosewood armchairs date from the late Qing Dynasty, and combine extravagance and opulence with style and refinement. They are adorned with mytho...
Category
20th Century Chinese Qing Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Rosewood
Qing Dynasty Rosewood Side Chair with Open Fretwork and Marble Medallion
Located in Yonkers, NY
A late Qing Dynasty period rosewood side chair from the early 20th century, with marble medallion inlay and open fretwork. Crafted during the early years of the 20th century, this ex...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Marble
$1,900
H 39 in W 21 in D 16.5 in
Up to 8 Very Rare Brutalist Austrian Stacking Chairs, 1970s
By Günther Domenig
Located in Hausmannstätten, AT
Very rare brutalist stacking chairs by Austrian Architect Prof. Gunther Domenig. There were only about 300 chairs produced in total.
Priced and sold i...
Category
1970s Austrian Brutalist Vintage Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Fiberglass, Plastic, Textile
$1,200 / item
H 29.14 in W 21.26 in D 22.45 in
Rare Pair of 19th Century Ebonized Bentwood Chairs
By Thonet
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
Rare and charming pair of antique bentwood chairs, possibly by Thonet.
The design of the chair is ingenious and creates a lovely, flu...
Category
19th Century European Antique Liberty of London Side Chairs
Liberty and Co Attributed. An Arts
Crafts Scottish School Oak Side Chair
By Wylie
Lochhead, Archibald Taylor
Located in London, GB
Liberty and Co Attributed. An Arts & Crafts Scottish School Oak Side Chair with stylized cut-out to the back and nice quality Arts and Crafts floral upholstery.
Category
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Oak
$1,364
H 38 in W 16 in D 15 in
Pierre Jeanneret, Rare Armless Easy Chair, Chandigarh, 1955
By Pierre Jeanneret
Located in Antwerp, BE
Pierre Jeanneret; Le Corbusier; Armless easy chair; India; Chandigarh; 1955; 1950s; Mid-Century Modern; cane; teak; wood; rattan; side chair; dining...
Category
1950s Indian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Cane, Wood, Teak
$22,520 Sale Price / item
20% Off
H 32.29 in W 19.69 in D 21.66 in
Previously Available Items
Morris
Co Lathback Chair for Liberty London
By Morris
Co., Liberty of London
Located in London, GB
A beautifully crafted Lathback chair designed by Morris & Co. for Liberty London, dating to c.1890–1920. The chair features a wooden frame with elegant vertical slats on the backrest...
Category
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Liberty of London Side Chairs
Materials
Rush, Wood
Liberty Of London side chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Liberty of London side chairs 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 Liberty of London side chairs, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Prices for Liberty of London side chairs can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $3,241 and can go as high as $3,241, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $3,241.
Questions About Liberty of London Side Chairs
- Is Liberty of London worth it?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024Yes, many furniture lovers believe that Liberty of London is worth it. The Liberty of London department store, located in the fashionable West End of London in the United Kingdom, has been selling luxury items since 1875. From leather footstools in the shape of a hippo to elegantly hand-carved Moroccan coffee tables, there’s something to please every discerning collector. The original Liberty Co. was a pivotal force in the development of the Aesthetic, Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements. As an enduring champion of eclectic design, Liberty continues to collaborate with designers to produce covetable interior pieces and accessories. However, whether or not it’s worth investing in Liberty of London furniture is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection. Find a range of Liberty of London furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a Liberty print?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024A Liberty print is a pattern featured on fabrics made by the British company Liberty Fabrics. More than 45,000 of these prints have been unveiled since the founding of the brand in 1875. The company was initially called Liberty Co. before the world came to know it as Liberty of London. Although they vary, Liberty prints typically share some similar characteristics, such as featuring natural motifs like flowers and leaves, flowing curved lines and patterning all over. Find a collection of vintage Liberty fabrics and furniture on 1stDibs.
- Where is Liberty fabric made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024Liberty fabrics are made near Lake Como, Italy. Every Liberty fabric begins with a pattern hand-drawn by in-house designers located in London. A team of skilled technicians oversees the production of the fabric, and Liberty Fabrics unveils around 150 new materials each year. On 1stDibs, shop an assortment of Liberty of London pieces.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 15, 2024To identify Liberty furniture, check discreet areas for a maker's mark. Most Liberty pieces feature a diamond-shaped tag made of ivorine or enameled brass that bears the Liberty name. Early pieces may feature a red or white paper label, while furnishings from select lines may feature an oval-shaped brass tag with the model and maker names. If you need help determining if a particular piece is a Liberty, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can assist you. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of Liberty furniture.
- Is Liberty furniture solid wood?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024The best known Liberty furniture is made of solid wood. Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, 19th-century shoppers 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. 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 indeed 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. Find antique Liberty Co. furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024With respect to the British company called Liberty, where the furniture is made varies. Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, 19th-century shoppers 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. 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. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid. Find Liberty of London furniture on 1stDibs.
- What is a London blue topaz?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021London blue topaz is actually not from London. London refers to a specific shade of blue that London blue topaz bears. It's lighter than aquamarine but darker than a rich sapphire stone.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Peter Max's connection to the Statue of Liberty is that he created multiple paintings of the famous landmark. He made the first one for America's Bicentennial on July 4, 1976. You can shop a range of Peter Max art on 1stDibs.
- Is Links of London real silver?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024Yes, Links of London is real silver. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean its pieces are solid silver. The British maker produces many items out of sterling silver, which consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper and other base metals. Find a variety of Links of London jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Is Yoko London real pearls?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024Yes, Yoko London is real pearls. The British luxury fashion house uses cultured freshwater pearls in its jewelry. Cultured pearls are real pearls that come from mollusks, but humans assist in the development process. Since naturally occurring pearls are very rare, most fine pearl jewelry features cultured pearls. Explore a collection of Yoko London pearl jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The font used on London street signs is usually Univers Bold Condensed. However, local councils have the freedom to choose their own fonts, so you may see variations from the usual typeface in some places. You'll find a large collection of typographic art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025Several famous artists’ first exhibitions were held in London. Among the best-known is Damien Hirst, whose first exhibition, a group show called "Freeze," was held in a vacant London warehouse in 1988. Other notable artists whose first solo exhibitions were held in London include KAWS, Tracey Emin, Lauren Halsey, Mire Lee, Firelei Báez, Dominic Chambers, Krysia Nowak and Anthony Caro. Shop a collection of contemporary art on 1stDibs.