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Edward Barnsley

British, 1900-1987

Collectors the world over consider furniture maker Edward Barnsley one of the most influential figures in British design. Bringing his own touch to the local standard of crafting, Barnsley worked with rare hardwoods, such as rosewood and black bean, as well the staples of the Arts and Crafts style, like oak and walnut. His use of fine lines, delicate curves and detailed inlays set his work apart from that of his predecessors. 

From Hampshire County, England, Barnsley was practically born to be a furniture maker. His father, Sydney, uncle Ernest and a family friend all practiced the craft and were strong influences on young Edward. At 10, he enrolled in Bedales, a progressive school focusing on practical skills and craftwork.

In 1920, after completing his studies, Barnsley returned to Hampshire and began employment at the workshop of local furniture maker and construction carpenter Geoffrey Lupton. In 1923, Lupton turned over his furniture workshop and client list to Barnsley. When his father died in 1926, Barnsley inherited his father's customers as well.

Barnsley employed numerous craftspeople and laborers — including the notable British furniture maker Alan Peters — increasing production immeasurably beyond that of his predecessors. The workshop created more than 7,000 individual works over the course of his leadership.

When electricity arrived to the shop in 1955, Barnsley was apprehensive about overutilizing mechanical means of production, believing the craftsperson's skill vital to making each piece a success. However, using machines to plane and sand the wood quickly became commonplace at the workshop, helping to boost production significantly.

Throughout his career, Barnsley often took the time to lecture at Loughborough College, passing on his wisdom and understanding of his craft to the next generation. He was also a founding member of the Crafts Council of England, and in 1945, received the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

After Barnsley died in 1987, his widow and children gave substantial contributions to the workshop, helping to ensure its financial security for the future. Although Edward Barnsley is gone, the Edward Barnsley Workshop lives on — crafting outstanding furniture with the same level of perfection and vision as its namesake.

On 1stDibs, explore antique Edward Barnsley seating, case pieces and decorative objects.

Edward Barnsley. A Cotswold School Arts & Crafts oak coffee table U shaped base
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley. A Cotswold School Arts & Crafts oak coffee table with U shaped base. A quality table with through tenon and pegged construction.
Category

1910s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Edward Barnsley

Materials

Oak

Edward Barnsley. Commissioned by G H J Morris An Arts & Crafts Cotswold armchair
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley. Commissioned by G H J Morris An Arts and Crafts armchair with beautifully made organic curvaceous sculptured arms, he certainly put a lot of love and thought into th...
Category

1950s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Edward Barnsley

Materials

Oak

Edward Barnsley. A Cotswold School walnut stool with the original tapestry seat.
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley. A Cotswold School Arts & Crafts handmade Walnut stool retaining the original tapestry seat. Stamped Barnsley under the seat.
Category

1920s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Edward Barnsley

Materials

Walnut

Edward Barnsley. An Arts & Crafts Walnut dining table & eight matching chairs.
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley for the Rural Industries Bureau. A Walnut dining table and eight matching chairs with cross band inlay to the edges of the shaped table top and Yoke shaped end suppor...
Category

1950s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Edward Barnsley

Materials

Walnut

Edward Barnsley, a Pair of Arts & Crafts Oak Candlesticks with Spider Web Bases
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley stamped signature to the base. A pair of Arts & Crafts oak candlesticks with brass drip-trays, octagonal stems and spider web style bases.
Category

Mid-20th Century English Arts and Crafts Edward Barnsley

Materials

Oak

E Barnsley for the Rural Industries Bureau Six Arts & Crafts Oak Dining Chairs
By Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
Edward Barnsley for the Rural Industries Bureau. A set of six oak Arts & Crafts style dining chairs with chamfered details to the backs and carved Acorns to the legs with leather dro...
Category

1950s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Edward Barnsley

Materials

Oak

An Important Breakfront Bookcase/Cabinet designed by E Barnsley, Exhibited 1982.
By Charles Bray, Edward Barnsley
Located in London, GB
An important Cotswold School walnut breakfront glazed bookcase/cabinet designed by Edward Barnsley, and made by Charles Bray, dated 1932. Provenance Mrs D.E. Neale, commissioned in...
Category

1930s English Arts and Crafts Vintage Edward Barnsley

Materials

Ebony, Walnut, Bog Wood

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Edward Barnsley furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Barnsley furniture 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 Edward Barnsley furniture, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Edward Barnsley were created in the Arts and Crafts style in united kingdom during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Charles Bevan, George Walton, and J.S. Henry. Prices for Edward Barnsley furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $661 and can go as high as $23,386, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $4,470.

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