For more than two centuries, the name Howard & Sons Ltd has been synonymous with elegance and exceptional handcrafted quality. Their Victorian furnishings graced grand old hotels like The Savoy in London, British Royal residences and luxury yachts of the day, including American business tycoon Cornelius Vanderbilt’s North Star.
Today, stately armchairs, sofas and rich, hand-carved serving tables from Howard & Sons continue to be a gold standard among the most discerning furniture collectors. Queen Elizabeth II is even said to have owned the world's most extensive collection of Howard & Sons chairs.
Howard & Sons Ltd was founded in 1820 on Leman street in London by cabinetmaker and upholsterer John Howard. Although he had three sons — George, Charles and Joseph — it was only George who later joined his father in running the family business. Before their upholstered armchairs and sofas garnered universal acclaim, Howard & Sons was a cabinetry company that collaborated with another well-known cabinetmaker, Gillows of Lancaster and London, on large projects and likely manufactured upholstered furniture for Gillows.
Howard & Sons Ltd showcased their pieces and won awards at several important exhibitions towards the end of the 19th century. They were given medals at the 1878 Paris Exhibition, the 1894 Antwerp Exhibition and the 1900 Paris Exposition. In 1901, they received their first Royal warrant to supply upholstered furniture to King Edward VII.
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, find a range of antique Howard & Sons Ltd seating, case pieces and storage cabinets, tables and other collectibles.
Vintage Antique Chesterfield Club Sofa Hand Dyed Leather, 1930s
Located in Aachen, NW
Vintage Chesterfield sofa original made in England with an amazing patina. The piece comes with a very thick hand dyed leather, the cushions are filled with duck feathers. A hand cr...
Leather, Wood
Vintage Chesterfield Club Sofa Hand Dyed, England 1960s
Located in Aachen, NW
Vintage Chesterfield sofa original hand made in England with an amazing patina. The piece comes with a very thick hand dyed leather! All buttoms and leather parts were made by hand. A hand crafted masterpiece! The sofa is overall in a very good condition. Dimensons are: Width - 202cm Depth - 90cm Height - 82cm Seat Height - 45cm. We are able to ship the sofa worldwide. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We have many years of experience in logistics and shipping will be done neatly and with clear communication. Your dream sofa...
Leather, Wood
Very Rare Club Armchairs "Le France" by Jacques Quinet, 1960s
By Jacques Quinet
Located in Aachen, NW
Very rare and fine armchairs by Jacques Quinet. Made in France in the early 1960s. Fine black leather upholstery. The feets comes with brass encased legs. Stunning pieces. Nice v...
Brass
Rare Art Déco Club Chairs by Jacques Adnet, France 1930s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Aachen, NW
Very rare and fine armchairs by Jacques Adnet. Made in France in the early 1930s. Fine Bouclé upholstery. Feets are made by solid wood. Stunning pieces. The chairs are in excellent,...
Bouclé, Wood
Vintage Mid Brown Club Sofa Italian Designer 1970s
Located in Aachen, NW
This timeless iconic sofa was made in the 1970s in Italy in the manner of Poltrona Frau or De Sede. The sofa is upholstered in an amazing super smooth Mid Brown leather. The cushions are filled with duck feathers. Overall the piece is in a very good condition. The sofa features a wonderful warm Mid Brown colour. Absolutely stunning and timeless piece made from the highest quality. Worldwide shipping is possible! Please ask before purchase for a shipping quote if you are based outside of Europe. You have more questions?! Feel free to send us a message and we will try our best to help. We have many years of experience in logistics and shipping will be done neatly and with clear communication. Your dream sofa...
Stainless Steel
Vintage De Sede DS31 Sofa & 2x DS31 Lounge Chair Cognac 1970s
By De Sede
Located in Aachen, NW
This amazing living room set with a 3-seater Sofa and 2x lounge chairs model DS31 were designed in the 1960s by the De Sede design team and produced by De Sede in Switzerland in the ...
Chrome
Original Howard and Sons Armchair, England, 19th Century
By Howard & Sons Ltd
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Howard & Sons armchair, England, 19th Century. The chair retaines it’s original upholstery and H & S monogram ticking. Stamped to the back leg. Structurally sound. Re...
Wood, Feathers
Original Howard and Sons Bridgewater Armchair, England, 19th Century
By Howard & Sons Ltd
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
An original Howard & Sons Bridgewater armchair, England, 19th Century. The chair retaines it’s original upholstery and H & S monogram ticking. Stamped to the back leg. Structurall...
Wood, Feathers
Early 20th Century Leather Club Chair
Located in Vosselaar, BE
A great leather clubchair. We preserved the beautiful patina of this chair while restoring the springs and bands to ensure comfort. The burgundy red leather was waxed.
Leather
Antique Edwardian Leather Armchair
Located in London, GB
A wonderful antique Edwardian leather armchair, made in England and dating from around 1890-1910. It is of outstanding quality and is a useful petite size. It is very comfortable an...
Leather, Oak
19th Century Victorian Period Brown Leather Library Club Armchair
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
Quality Untouched Brown Leather Victorian Armchair A high quality, untouched 19th-century brown leather button back club armchair of substantial and well balanced proportions. The...
Leather
Antique Victorian Leather Chesterfield Armchair
Located in London, GB
A large and very impressive antique Victorian leather Chesterfield armchair. This was made in England, we would date it to around the 1880’s period. The quality is outstanding, this...
Leather
