Makers & Designers

Strauss & Co’s decorative arts department has handled a worldly list of makers and designers specialising in furniture making, jewellery, silver, glass, porcelain and other artisanal trades.

Strauss & Co’s decorative arts department has handled a worldly list of makers and designers specialising in furniture making, jewellery, silver, glass, porcelain and other artisanal trades. This searchable database lists prominent makers and designers sold by Strauss & Co, including René Lalique, Gio Ponti, Patrick Mavros, as well as coveted houses like The Barnards and Tiffany & Co.


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Liberty and Co

Birmingham, England 

Arthur Lazenby Liberty opened his now infamous department store in 1875, with a view to import and retail oriental fabrics. By 1899, Liberty decided to manufacture a range of domestic silver, employing the best designers of the day, marketed as 'Cymric.' Designers that contributed to the 'Cymric' collection included most famously Archibald Knox, Bernard Cuzner, Jessie King and A.H. Jones.

Although mechanically produced, the silver retained some of the spirit of the Arts & Crafts age, the pieces were hand-finished by craftsmen before being retailed at Liberty. Archibald Knox created the Cymric designs from 1864-1933, working for Liberty around 1905 onwards. As its name suggests, the Cymric design influences included Celtic motifs, with serpentine curls and interlacements in most designs.

In 1899, Liberty exhibited silverwork which was designed by artists based in Birmingham – Oliver Barker (1856-1936), Bernard Cuzner (1877-1956) and Albert Edward Jones (1879-1954). Much of Liberty's silver was manufactured in Birmingham by W.H.Haseler with the rest manufactured in London. The partnership between W.H.Haseler and Liberty was formed in 1898, continuing until 1926. With Haseler's help, Liberty launched both 'Cymric' and 'Tudric' lines under a new company name of Liberty & Co.

4 lots offered      50.00% sold      ZAR 180 817
 

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A set of six silver teaspoons, Liberty and Co, Birmingham, 1924
6 Feb 2012
Sold for ZAR 2 577
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A pair of silver and enamel candlesticks, Liberty & Co. (Cymric), Birmingham, 1902
11 Oct 2010
Sold for ZAR 178 240
Incl. Buyer's Premium & VAT
A Liberty & Co. silver buckle, L & Co, Cymric, Birmingham, 1902
15 Mar 2010
ZAR 3 000 - 4 000
 
A silver and enamel butter dish, Liberty & Co, Birmingham, 1903
8 Oct 2009
ZAR 5 000 - 7 000