Howard and Sons Grafton Armchair 19th Century

A Howard and Sons Grafton armchair with rare probably bespoke carved tapering mahogany front legs on brass collars and casters stamped Howard & Sons, London..

English circa 1880.

One of the most desirable and comfortable chairs in the Howard and Sons range is the Grafton armchair with deep seat and high back. This fine example retains the factory stamped brass castors “Howard & Sons, London” to the fronts and to the rear, with the rear leg being stamped “Howard and Sons, Berners St” and serial number which is quite faint as there has been an historic repair to the stamped rear leg and re-polished.

The front legs are most unusual being carved and tapering which will have most likely been bespoke made for the original client.

Fully re-upholstered by specialist Howard and Sons upholsterers who use the traditional methods having a feather down quilted back and cushion with the whole being recovered in a Howard and Sons ticking.

This is by far one of the most comfortable armchairs I have sat in since being in the business for over 30 years!

About Howard and Sons

Howard & Sons upholstery is renowned for being one of the most sought after names in English upholstery throughout the 19th and early 20th Century, and for good reason! Their upholstery is the most comfortable you will sit in and has passed the test of time. The company was started by in 1820 by John Howard who started this iconic name trading from 24 Leman Street, London as a cabinet maker. Having this background in making furniture enabled them to expand into upholstery, opening their first showroom / workshop in 1844 36 Red Lion Street.

After four years they moved to the iconic address of Berners St, London as “Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer and Decorator” under the name John Howard and Sons.

The business was extremely successful at this location with workshops opening up at Tottenham St, Charlotte Mews and Fitzroy Sq and an expansion to a second Berners St building in 1853.

By 1872 Howard and Sons where occupying 25, 26 and 27 Berners Street where they stayed until 1935 winning a Royal warrants in 1901.

In 1935 the the well established decorators Lenygon and Morant appear to take over the name with the business address being given as 31 Old Burlington St (Lenygon and Morants premesis since 1909). Lenygon and Morant later moved to South Audley St where from 1954 they advertised as 'Makers of Howard Chairs and Sofas'.

In 1967 the owners of Lenygon and Morant open Howard Chairs Limited, the company operating from Lyme St continue to make high quality sofas and armchairs.

Dimensions

Seat Height 17 1/2 inches - 45cm

Loveday Antiques is a family run business originally established since 1969 in London.

Now in its second generation, Loveday Antiques specialises in an eclectic mix of 18th to 20th Century European furniture and works of art, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness and colour.

As proud members of BADA & LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antique dealers in the United Kingdom and members of CINOA, the worldwide association for antique dealers you can buy from us with 100% confidence and reassurance as we are committed to upholding and abiding by the strict standards of each association.

Our clients can rest assured that each item is as described and photographed.

All Items are sold with 100% satisfaction 14 day money back guarantee, return delivery will be charged for.

We deliver within the UK for usually between £60-£80 and ship worldwide with professional bespoke crating via air to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

Delivery within the mainland UK will usually be with 7 to 14 days but please allow up to 28 days. We also ship worldwide with a professional bespoke crating service and large International couriers via air and sea to almost all locations. Please contact us at Loveday Antiques with your full postal address for a very competitive quote.

GOODS

All items listed are in excellent condition having been restored using traditional methods by experienced cabinet makers and polishers keeping the original colour and patina wherever possible.

Please bear in mind you may find the usual markings with antique furniture that are commensurate with age which all add to beauty and uniqueness of the item.

VIEWINGS

We have a reputation for being long established antique dealers in London having had showrooms concurrently running in Islington, Chelsea and Ascot. We have relocated our new showroom, due to London overheads, easily reached between A1 or A10 to just outside of Hertford, Hertfordshire.

We will happily arrange for clients to be collected travelling via train. Local stations being Hertford North, Stevenage and Ware, all being a 10 minute drive from us.

Please contact us for location and appointments.

Telephone: 01438 869 819

Payments accepted are Bank Transfer, Cheque, Major Credit Cards or Cash.

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm Please email or call beforehand to make an appointment.

If outside of these times again please call to make an appointment

We have more than 40 years experience in supplying Antique furniture to the trade, public and interior designers from all parts of the world so please buy with confidence as we have passed the test of time.