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Inviting Entries: Arts & Crafts Objects


October 2025

The turn of the 20th-century Arts & Crafts movement remains one of the most enduring design stories. In response to mechanisation and mass-production, designers and makers sought authenticity, integrity of materials and truth to craft. Whether in oak, copper, pewter, glass or textile, the aesthetic was one of honesty: visible joints, hand-hammered surfaces, natural finishes and well-considered utility. Today, such pieces carry not simply the hallmarks of their makers, but the legacy of a design philosophy which remains compelling in modern interiors.

Through recent sales at David Duggleby Auctioneers & Valuers, we have seen strong interest from collectors, interior designers and heritage-markets alike: each piece telling a story of craftsmanship, purpose and beauty. Now we invite entries of furniture and decorative objects embodying this visionary era.

Icons of Design

When the movement was at its peak, names such as C.F.A. Voysey, Liberty & Co., and the Cotswold School produced works now sought after by collectors. Their enduring appeal lies in the quality of craftsmanship and the integrity of design that bridges historic and contemporary taste.

Recent highlights at Dugglebys include a James Shoolbred & Co. high-back oak settle, decorated with pewter inlays and upholstered in Archibald Knox patterned fabric - sold for £500 a quintessential expression of the movement’s artistry and attention to detail. Likewise, a Shapland & Petter oak dresser, with heart-shaped piercings and copper strap hinges (sold £340), demonstrated the blend of beauty and practicality that defines Arts & Crafts design.

These results show that, whether a piece carries a famous maker’s name or simply embodies the ideals of handcraft and honesty, today’s buyers continue to respond to the same qualities celebrated over a century ago.

The Art of Every Medium

Furniture: Oak and ash furniture remains at the heart of Arts & Crafts collecting. The combination of strong structure and elegant restraint appeals both to traditionalists and to modern interior designers. Notable examples include an Arts & Crafts oak cabinet on chest, which sold for £380, with lead-glazed doors and fitted drawers. Also noteworthy is a Liberty & Co. “Wykeham” settle, with its reeded frame and rush seat - a design still admired for its timeless simplicity and reflected in it's sale price of £650.

Metalwork & Decorative Objects: Metalwork captures the tactile essence of the movement: the hammer’s mark is part of the decoration. A fine example is a Jesson, Birkett & Co. brass table lamp which sold for £1,600. Designed by Thomas Birkett, the piece shows off the elegant engineering and sculptural quality typical of Birmingham metalwork. Smaller treasures like an Albert Edward Jones copper box with inlaid brass Oxford arms or a Newlyn copper vase and tray set, hand-beaten and decorated with strapwork and sailing-ship motifs, also continue to attract competitive bidding.

Silver & Pewter: The silver and pewter of the period illustrate a marriage of art and utility. A Charles Edwards silver bowl from 1904, with three flower-capped handles, demonstrates refined craftsmanship and achieved £130 at auction. Equally captivating is a Henry George Murphy silver rabbit caddy spoon, a whimsical yet exquisitely made object that delights collectors of fine British silver. Bidders agreed and this unique lot sold for £550.

Pottery, Glass & Textiles: Ceramics and glass from the Arts & Crafts era showcase the creative experimentation that defined the movement. A rare Martin Brothers stoneware tobacco jar, modelled as a smirking face by Robert Wallace Martin and achieving an impressive £5,800 at auction, a testament to individuality and imagination. Meanwhile, smaller pieces such as a Liberty & Co. Tudric pewter tray by Archibald Knox (Sold £500), with its enamel cartouche and flowing foliate motifs, reflect the crossover between metalwork and art pottery design.

Decorative and domestic pieces — from Newlyn copper frames with galleon and fish motifs to handwoven textiles with natural dyes — continue to attract collectors for their unique sense of warmth and authenticity.

Why Arts & Crafts Still Captivates Collectors Today


More than a century after its creation, Arts & Crafts design continues to resonate with collectors, decorators and modern homeowners alike. These pieces were made to last - their solid construction and quality materials mean many survive in remarkable condition, often needing only gentle conservation rather than full restoration. The design vocabulary of the movement, simple forms, honest materials and fine craftsmanship aligns seamlessly with both period and contemporary interiors. A settle made in 1890 sits comfortably in a 2025 living space, offering timeless style and functional beauty. 

Market trends confirm this enduring appeal. We continue to see exceptional examples emerging from private estates where Arts & Crafts furniture has been cherished for generations. Hand-crafted details, from the repoussé work of Newlyn metalware to the pegged joints of Liberty furniture, consistently draw strong bidding, with originality and provenance key factors in value.Interest is increasingly international. Collectors across Europe and North America actively seek British craftsmanship from this era, from silver and metalwork to furniture and ceramics. For today’s consignors, that means a vibrant, confident marketplace, one where integrity, skill and beauty remain the highest currency.

The Arts & Crafts movement stands as a philosophy as much as a style, one where honesty, utility and craftsmanship converge. Pieces created in that spirit remain sought-after today.

If you have something that speaks to that ethos, now is an ideal moment to consign. We are currently inviting entries for forthcoming sales, focusing on furniture and decorative objects from the Arts & Crafts movement, including: Oak, ash or elm furniture with original finish and visible joinery. Metalwork (copper, pewter, hammered iron) with hand-finished surfaces. Studio pottery, tiles or glass panels bearing Arts & Crafts character. Lighting, mirrors and decorative accessories from the movement or its later revival. Textiles (rugs, tapestries) with hand-loom character and stylised motifs in keeping with the ethos.

Whether you have a single item or a collection, our team offers personal support at every stage. Contact our specialists to discuss your piece — we can often provide a valuation via photograph or home visit.
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