Maker/Retailer Biography

Art Furnishers Alliance Co.

Dates: 1880-1883

See items in our stock by Art Furnishers Alliance Co.

An association of 'Art Manufacturers' founded by Christopher Dresser to supply 'whatever is necessary to the complete artistic furnishing of a house'. Dresser was employed as art director and George Hayter Chubb, proprietor of the lock-smiths, chaired the directors,  John Harrison, Edward Cope and Sir Edward Lee. Chubb & Sons provided the premises for the manufacture of artistic furniture and metalwork, and warehouse space for the suppliers, including Arthur Liberty; Frederick Walton (linoleum and wallpapers); James Dixon (silver); John Brinton (carpets); Benham & Froud (metalware); Hukin & Heath (silver); Jeffrey, Lightbown & Aspinal, Scott Cuthbertson and Arthur Sanderson (all wallpaper manufacturers), Dresser & Holmes (Oriental objects), Sowerby (press moulded glass); and Cope (lace curtains). A number of the suppliers, including Liberty and Dixon, were also shareholders. Showrooms in New Bond Street were inaugurated in 1881, but the firm went into liquidation in May 1883.