This is a wonderful antique oak armchair attributed to Bruce James Talbert, c.1860 and manufactured by Gillows & Co. It is made of solid oak, has beautiful hand carved decoration and fabulous blue upholstery. There is no mistaking the unique quality and design, which is certain to make it a talking point in your home. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation of condition. Dimensions in cm: Height 95 x Width 61.5 x Depth 73 Dimensions in inches: Height 3 feet, 1 inch x Width 2 feet, 0 inches x Depth 2 feet, 5 inches Bruce James Talbert (1838–1881) was a Scottish architect and interior designer. He studied at the High School of Dundee, then under a Dundee woodcarver named Millar. In Glasgow, he was apprenticed to architect Charles Edward (ca. 1855-57), worked as an assistant to architect William Nairne Tait (1857–60), and as a draftsman for architect Campbell Douglas (1860–62). He moved to Manchester in 1862 to design furniture for Doveston, Bird & Hull; but later that year was hired by Francis Skidmore at Art Manufactures in Coventry. At Art Manufactures he did drafting work on Sir George Gilbert Scott's Hereford Screen (1862), and on Scott's Albert Memorial (designed 1863, completed 1872). He moved to London in 1866 to design furniture for Holland & Sons. The following year his Reformed Gothic designs won a silver medal at the 1867 Paris Exhibition. In addition to furniture, Talbert designed metalwork, tiles, stained glass, textiles, and wallpaper. His first book, Gothic Forms Applied to Furniture, Metal Work, and Decoration for Domestic Purposes, was published in London in 1868, and in the United States in 1873. That was followed by Examples of Ancient & Modern Furniture, Metal Work, Tapestries, Decorations, published in London in 1876, and in the United States in 1877. A third book, Fashionable Furniture: A Collection of Three Hundred and Fifty Original Designs Representing Cabinet Work, Upholstery and Decoration (1881), was published posthumously. Talbert died at age 43 of alcoholism and overwork. In the United States, he influenced the Modern Gothic work of Kimbel and Cabus, Frank Furness, and Daniel Pabst. Examples of his works can be viewed all over the world here in London Victoria & Albert has the following pieces on display: * Sleeping Beauty Sideboard (1867) - manufactured by Holland & Sons * Pet Sideboard (1871) - manufactured by Gillow & Co * Juno Cabinet (1878) - manufactured by Jackson & Graham (1878) - the cabinet won the Grand Prix at the 1878 Paris Exhibition. Oak is a tree or shrub in the genus Quercus - Latin "oak tree" having approximately 600 extant species. Oak wood has a density of about 0.75 g/cm3, great strength and hardness, and is very resistant to insect and fungal attack because of its high tannin content. It also has very appealing grain markings, particularly when quartersawn. Oak wood is very durable, easy to maintain and resistant to wear and tear which is why it can be easily handed to the next generations if taken well care of. Oak wood virtually lasts forever and you can still admire oak furniture in museums and palaces even if it was made many centuries ago. Oak has been prized since the Middle Ages for use in interior panelling of prestigious buildings such as the debating chamber of the House of Commons in London and in the construction of fine furniture. Gillow & Co. - was originally founded in Lancaster in 1730. Gillow’s of Lancaster was a household name in Victorian Britain, and the firm exported furniture throughout the Empire. Key to the company’s success was the dynamic father and son team at its core. The London branch was opened in 1775. Among Gillow’s most successful pieces during this period were those made in the Neoclassical style from original drawings by Robert Adam. In the period 1813-1820 the Gillow family gradually withdrew from personal involvement with the business. In 1897 Gillow & Co. merged with a Liverpool firm and they henceforth traded as Waring & Gillow. Our reference: 05528 Please feel free to email or call us (+44 20 8809 9605) to arrange a viewing in our North London warehouse. Shipping: We ship worldwide and deliver to Mainland UK addresses free of charge. A shipping cost to all other destinations must be requested prior to purchase. To request a shipping quote for the items in your cart, please click HERE. Delivery and return policy: We require that someone be home on the agreed delivery day if applicable, otherwise a redelivery fee will apply. In accordance with Distance Selling Regulations, we offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the item. The item must be returned in its original packaging and condition. Unless the item is not as described in a material way, the buyer is responsible for return shipping expenses. Buyers are fully responsible for any customs duties or local taxes that may be incurred on items sent outside of the European Union.