28th Jan, 2025 10:00
Design
20
Stanley Webb Davies (1894-1978)
an oak dining room suite, comprising:
a draw-leaf dining table,
the central section carved with lozenge designs, the apron and legs chamfered, inscribed with 'SWD' monogram and dated '1946', and with craftsman's monogram for Brian Braithwaite,
132cm wide, 228cm extended
80.5cm deep
75cm high,
six chairs,
each with a solid back splat and channelled uprights, with drop-in seat, worn, each carved with 'SWD' monogram and dated '1946', and with craftsman's monogram for Richard (Lile Dicky) Cloudsdale,
44cm wide
45cm deep
93cm high, seat 47cm high,
a sideboard,
with an arrangement of two drawers, one with a sliding cutlery tray, over a pair of panelled cupboards, with visible tenon joints, carved with 'SWD' monogram and dated '1946', with craftsmen monograms for Ernest John Oldcorn and Fred Ellison,
151cm wide
53cm deep
87cm high (8)
Stanley Webb Davies (1894-1978) was a notable British furniture maker renowned for his work within the Arts and Crafts Movement. Based in Windermere, in the English Lake District, his craftsmanship reflected the Movement's ideals, emphasising traditional techniques, high-quality materials, and integrity in design and production.
Born in Darwen, Lancashire, into a family of industrialists, Davies initially followed a path that seemed far removed from craftsmanship. He studied history at New College, Oxford, graduating in 1915. During the First World War, as a conscientious objector, he refused to fight, choosing instead to join the Friends War Victims Relief team in France, building huts for refugees.
After the war, Davies sought a simpler and more meaningful life. He apprenticed with Arthur Romney Green (1872-1945) at his workshop in Christchurch, Hampshire, where he learned the traditional woodworking techniques that would define his career. In 1926, with help from his father, he built his workshop, 'Gatesbield', in Windermere - designed by the architect Kenneth Cross - and worked there for the rest of his life.
Davies was committed to handcrafting every piece of furniture in his workshop, rejecting industrialised methods. His designs emphasised simplicity, functionality and the natural beauty of wood. His works often featured oak and other fine woods, combined with restrained decoration, such as carved details or inlays. Each piece bore both his monogram and that of the craftsman, along with the date it was made, reflecting pride in their craftsmanship.
After his death in 1978, Davies continued to inspire future generations of craftsmen, leaving behind a legacy of finely crafted furniture that is highly collectable today.
The craftsmen working on this suite were Brian Braithwaite (c.1940-54), Richard (Lile Dicky) Cloudsdale (1908-1991), Ernest John Oldcorn (1894-1968) and Fred Ellison (1919-2003).
Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.
Gothic Revival, Aesthetic, and Arts & Crafts
A selection of lots from our Gothic Revival, Aesthetic, and Arts & Crafts category featured in our 28 January Design Sale.
£5,000 - £8,000
Buyer's premium: 30.00% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Condition Report
All pieces used.
Table - some colour change to the extended leaves.
Surfaces with usage and wear.
Chairs - all tight - seats appear to be the original covers.
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Auction: Design, 28th Jan, 2025
Viewing
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 24 January, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 26 January, 10am - 1pm
Monday 27 January, 10am - 4pm
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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Please note that this item is not suitable for a pre-sale automated shipping estimate due to the items weight/size.
The below table shows indicative shipping costs for larger items being delivered within the UK mainland. Please note that all the below costs are purely for indicative purposes and are to be used as a guideline only. If you purchase multiple large items, we will combine deliveries to reduce the shipping costs.
Should you be successful in buying this item, a specific shipping estimate will need to be requested after the sale using the link in your invoice email; this also includes all requests for international delivery.
If you would like further information about shipping and collection please see here.
Buying a pre-loved, antique, or vintage item not only provides you with unique style and value for money but it also helps to reduce landfill, and the annual emissions of an antique or vintage piece can be as little as one sixteenth of those of its new equivalent!
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