James Shoolbred & Co. (England) furniture

James Shoolbred & Co. was a prominent British furniture manufacturer and retailer that played a significant role in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was known for producing high-quality furniture and home furnishings. James Shoolbred, the founder of the company, started his career as a draper and silk merchant in London. In 1825, he established his own business in Tottenham Court Road, London. Initially, the company focused on textiles and drapery.

In the 1860s and 1870s, James Shoolbred & Co. expanded its offerings to include furniture and home furnishings. This expansion coincided with the Victorian era, a time of increased interest in interior decoration and home improvement. James Shoolbred & Co. popularised the "Aesthetic Movement" in interior design, and the company had a department known as the "Art Furniture Department," which produced stylish and often ornate furniture pieces influenced by the Aesthetic Movement.. This movement emphasized more... the importance of beauty and art in everyday life, influencing the design of furniture and decor during that period.

James Shoolbred & Co. participated in various international exhibitions, including the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867. Their presence at these exhibitions helped them gain recognition for their craftsmanship and design. : The company continued to thrive into the early 20th century. However, like many businesses, it faced challenges during and after World War I. The business eventually declined, and the original company ceased operations in 1931. less...