Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
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.
1870s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Rosewood
1860s English Gothic Revival Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Oak
Early 20th Century European Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Upholstery, Elm
19th Century English Victorian Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Upholstery, Hardwood
1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Teak
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Chrome
19th Century British Victorian Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Walnut
1840s English Early Victorian Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Leather, Upholstery, Mahogany
19th Century British Gothic Revival Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Upholstery, Oak
Late 19th Century Aesthetic Movement Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Upholstery, Walnut
1870s American Gothic Revival Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Leather, Walnut
20th Century English Gothic Revival Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Wood, Oak, Pine
Late 19th Century English Antique Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Oak
20th Century North American Gothic Revival Bruce James Talbert Armchairs
Wood