20th century Howard Chairs Ltd sofa

Howard Chairs Ltd, an iteration of the legendary English furniture firm Howard Sons Ltd, created luxurious seating to fit just about any taste.

Established by cabinetmaker John Howard on Leman street in London in 1820, the company was later named Howard Sons Ltd when John’s son, George, was brought into the fold — the moniker by which the company is best known. Between 1820 and 1848, the company moved their operations numerous times, broadening their range of offerings as they went and growing increasingly popular with Victorian-era consumers.

Ever-adaptable, Howard Sons Ltd won a patent in 1865 for a method of applying a veneer to walls in place of wallpaper. Later, the firm applied their veneering technique to wooden floors and introduced parquet flooring into their branding. They added more patents over the years, including ceilings and floors finished in their veneering. Howard Sons Ltd exhibited and won awards in the 1878 International Expo in Paris, the 1894 Expo in Antwerp and the 1900 Paris International Exposition.

Howard Sons Ltd continued production until 1947. During the 1950s, a London decorating firm called Lenygon Morant began to trade under the Howard name. The company re-emerged in 1967 as Howard Chairs Ltd. Today, the brand is again known again as Howard Sons and carries on the tradition of creating bespoke furniture from their London-based workshop.

On 1stDibs, explore vintage Howard Chairs Ltd settees, armchairs and case pieces.