Antique Egyptian Revival Thebes Stool by Liberty
Co., ca. 1890
About the Item
- Creator:Liberty Co. (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)Width: 17 in (43.18 cm)Depth: 17 in (43.18 cm)Seat Height: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- Style:Egyptian Revival (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1890
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Truly fantastic condition, please see photos. It does remain an extremely old piece and will not appear new.
- Seller Location:West Reading, PA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6939232438952
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
Early 20th Century English Egyptian Revival Stools
Maple
Antique 1870s American Egyptian Revival Footstools
Walnut
Early 20th Century English Egyptian Revival Stools
Oak
Antique 1890s English Egyptian Revival Stools
Walnut
Early 20th Century British Egyptian Revival Ottomans and Poufs
Oak
Antique Late 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Stools
Walnut
Early 20th Century British Egyptian Revival Stools
Oak, Bentwood
Antique 1890s English Art Nouveau Stools
Wood
Antique 1880s English Egyptian Revival Chairs
Rush, Walnut
Early 20th Century Egyptian Revival Stools
Oak
