William Birch for Liberty London Settle.

William Birch for Liberty & Co. Arts & Crafts Oak Settle
High Wycombe, circa 1890–1900

A fine and original Arts & Crafts oak settle attributed to William Birch of High Wycombe and retailed through Liberty & Co., London.

Constructed in solid oak, the settle features a pair of rush-work back panels beneath gently arched crest rails, flanked by upright supports surmounted with turned finials. The seat retains its original rush work, raised on ring-turned legs united by stretchers. The arms are of simple vernacular form, reflecting Liberty’s “cottage” furniture range of the late 19th century.

This model relates closely to examples supplied by William Birch to Liberty & Co. during the 1890s, which were included in their catalogues such as Furniture for Town Flats and Country Houses (1902) and Simple and Durable Furniture (1906), where similar rush-seated oak furniture was illustrated within interior settings.

Birch was a key manufacturer for Liberty, producing designs under the direction of Leonard Wyburd, and these more restrained models formed part of Liberty’s accessible Arts & Crafts offering, combining traditional craftsmanship with practical domestic design.

Worldwide delivery available, not included. Please enquire for a delivery quote before purchasing or arrange to collect from our London gallery by appointment.

Good antique condition with minimal wear to the original rush seat (these are sadly often replaced and re-rushed so it’s important we have left it as is with a few missing strands. It is all stable and has been in private ownership for many decades like this).

Approximate measurements: 146 cm high X 126 cm wide X 59 cm deep.

Provenance:
Attributed to William Birch, High Wycombe; retailed by Liberty & Co., London.

Examples of closely related settles are recorded as having been retailed through Liberty & Co. circa 1895.

You can view more of William Birch’s work and the arts & crafts movement at museums such as the V&A here in London.