Liberty & Co. Thebes stool designed by Leonard Wyburd

Liberty & Co. Thebes Stool — Shoe Storage Bench

A fine example of late 19th-century Arts and Crafts seating, the Liberty & Co. Thebes stool embodies the distinctive aesthetic of its era. Designed by Leonard Wyburd and patented by Liberty & Co. in 1884, this versatile piece remained a staple in the Liberty catalogue until around 1919, illustrating its enduring appeal.

Origin: England
Date: Circa 1900
Material: Stained beechwood
Dimensions: Height 45 cm, Width 45 cm, Depth 35 cm
Condition: Retains original patina, minor surface wear commensurate with age

The Thebes stool stands out as a collectable icon of English Arts and Crafts furniture, drawing stylistic influences from ancient Egyptian forms. Notably, examples of Wyburd’s Thebes stool appear in major museum collections and are highly sought after by collectors for their unique fusion of historical revival and progressive design. Its presence in the Liberty catalogue for over three decades underlines both its practical use and broad popularity at the turn of the century.

Notable Features:

• Craftsmanship highlights:
  Meticulously turned beechwood legs connected with distinctive splayed stretchers, displaying the skilled woodwork associated with the Liberty workshop.
• Design significance:
  Instantly recognisable for its circular seat and triple-stretcher base, the stool reflects the Arts and Crafts movement’s reverence for hand-craftsmanship and honest materials, while alluding to the geometry of ancient Egyptian originals.
• Collecting value:
  Scarce in today’s market, original Liberty & Co. Thebes stools command strong interest among design enthusiasts, due to their limited production, documented provenance, and pivotal role in British furniture history.
• Practical value:
  Compact and robust, the stool lends itself to flexible use as a shoe storage bench, occasional seat, or striking accent in any period-inspired interior.

Ideal for collectors of Arts and Crafts furniture, this Liberty & Co. Thebes stool offers both historic provenance and everyday practicality. It is a characterful addition to shoe storage benches, blending form and function with timeless elegance.