Antique Howard and Sons Chaise Longue 19th Century Circa 1870

Howard and Sons Chaise Longue 19th Century Circa 1870

Exceptional antique Victorian era Howard and Sons Walnut Chaise Longue 19th century circa 1870, upholstered in soft grey Howard and Sons ticking material, the shaped and button tufted upholstered back flanked by scrolling side rests, above the rectangular padded seat, on turned tapering legs, terminating in brass caps and castors,  the metal support seat bar stamped Howard and Sons Berners Street, rear leg stamped with ID ‘4114/9647'

Provenance: Christie's, London, Interiors, 18th May 2016, Lot 281 Howard and Sons

The name of Howard and Sons is probably one of the best known and highly sought after names in upholstered furniture.

The company was started by John Howard in 1820 trading from 24 Leman St, London as a Cabinet Maker. Over the next 25 years they would make several changes of premises within the Whitechapel area. First to 27 Great Alie St (Now just Alie St) before moving a short distance to 34 Great Alie St.

In 1844 the company made its first venture into upholstered furniture by opening a showroom/workshop at 36 Red lion St. This was also to be a big move towards what would be their next and most famous location.

In 1848 they moved to a new address much more accustomed with the name; Berners St. London as “Cabinet Maker, Upholsterer and Decorator” under the name John Howard and Sons.
By 1872 the company was occupying 25, 26 and 27 Berners St.

In 1935 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

It is believed that Queen Elizabeth II has the largest private collection of Howard & Sons chairs in the world.