2nd Jun, 2026 10:00
Modern Art & Design | The Laskett
Sidney Barnsley (1865-1926)
Sidney Barnsley (1865-1926) An Arts & Crafts walnut and ebony secretaire designed and made by Sidney Barnsley in 1914, with two drawers above an ebony recessed panelled fall front, with fielded octagons enclosing a fitted interior of two cupboards flanked by twelve short drawers with ivory handles, with two long and two short drawers flanked by ebony panelled cabinet doors below, with ebony stringing, on stepped trestle feet, the whole flanked by half octagonal columns inlaid with diamond and cartouche designs in ebony, the sides with recessed panels, 98cm wide, 59cm deep, 145cm high
Ivory Registration Reference: UEWNTF5B
Provenance:: Mr Hugh Fairfax-Cholmeley
Footnote:: Sidney Barnsley (1865-1926) together with his brother Ernest, as well as Ernest Gimson trained as architects in London in the shadow of William Morris’ showroom in London.
They formed a significant group of furniture designers and makers who upheld the Arts & Crafts Movement's ideals of truth to materials, honesty of construction, and fitness of purpose. In 1893, ‘to live near to nature’ they founded a rural community of craftsmen at Pinbury Park to preserve and enhance traditional methods and lifestyle. The names of Gimson and Barnsley are synonymous with the Cotswold Style, with its extensive use of native woods, forms based on seventeenth-century prototypes, and visibility of construction.
Gimson and the Barnsley brothers maintained a lifelong friendship and business relationship throughout their lives.
Sidney Barnsley (1865-1926) An Arts & Crafts walnut and ebony secretaire designed and made by Sidney Barnsley in 1914, with two drawers above an ebony recessed panelled fall front, with fielded octagons enclosing a fitted interior of two cupboards flanked by twelve short drawers with ivory handles, with two long and two short drawers flanked by ebony panelled cabinet doors below, with ebony stringing, on stepped trestle feet, the whole flanked by half octagonal columns inlaid with diamond and cartouche designs in ebony, the sides with recessed panels, 98cm wide, 59cm deep, 145cm high
Ivory Registration Reference: UEWNTF5B
: Mr Hugh Fairfax-Cholmeley
: Sidney Barnsley (1865-1926) together with his brother Ernest, as well as Ernest Gimson trained as architects in London in the shadow of William Morris’ showroom in London.
They formed a significant group of furniture designers and makers who upheld the Arts & Crafts Movement's ideals of truth to materials, honesty of construction, and fitness of purpose. In 1893, ‘to live near to nature’ they founded a rural community of craftsmen at Pinbury Park to preserve and enhance traditional methods and lifestyle. The names of Gimson and Barnsley are synonymous with the Cotswold Style, with its extensive use of native woods, forms based on seventeenth-century prototypes, and visibility of construction.
Gimson and the Barnsley brothers maintained a lifelong friendship and business relationship throughout their lives.
Condition information is not provided as standard in the description of a lot but is available upon request; where possible we will also supply additional images with a condition report.
All Lots are offered for sale in the condition they are in at the time of the sale. You acknowledge that many Lots are of an age and type such that they are not in perfect condition. Catalogue descriptions and condition reports may refer to imperfections of a Lot, but Lots may have other faults not expressly referred to in the Catalogue or condition report. Illustrations are for identification purposes only and may not convey full information as to the actual condition of a Lot. You accept responsibility for carrying out your own inspections and investigations of Lots in which you may be interested. You should inspect a Lot before bidding to determine and to satisfy yourself as to its condition, size, description and whether it has been repaired or restored, as applicable. We accept bids on Lots solely on this basis. Condition reports may be available to assist when inspecting Lots. Lots will be available for viewing in person at our premises or another location and viewing information will be available on our website.
To be able to bid at a Chorley’s auction, you must register and obtain a paddle number from our saleroom office. If you have not bid with us before, you will be asked to provide proof of identity and residence, such as driver's licence photocard, passport or current utility bill.
If you are unable to attend the auction to bid in person, you can leave a commission bid, request a telephone bid or register for online bidding.
Auction: Modern Art & Design | The Laskett, 2nd Jun, 2026
Viewing
Sunday 31 May | 10am -4pm
Monday 1 June | 9am - 4pm
Full Terms & Conditions relating to our auctions can be found here
