Pair of Liberty Foundry Cast Iron Andirons Depicting Labrador Dogs, circa 1950
About the Item
- Creator:Liberty Co. (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Materials and Techniques:Iron,Cast
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading. Please refer to the various additional photos for further condition detail and contact us with any questions!
- Seller Location:Atlanta, GA
- Reference Number:Seller: A 41351stDibs: LU836730034292
Liberty & Co.
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.
You May Also Like
Vintage 1950s French Andirons
Iron
Vintage 1950s French Louis XIV Andirons
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Metal
Mid-20th Century French Andirons
Iron
Antique 19th Century American American Colonial Andirons
Antique 1840s American Andirons
Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Andirons
Metal, Iron
Antique Late 19th Century American Andirons
Iron
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Andirons
Wrought Iron
Antique Late 19th Century American Arts and Crafts Andirons
Iron
More From This Seller
View AllAntique 19th Century English Andirons
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Umbrella Stands
Enamel, Iron
Early 20th Century English Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots
Iron
Early 20th Century English Arts and Crafts Stools
Walnut
Antique 19th Century English Paintings
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
20th Century English Umbrella Stands
Iron
