Edwards & Roberts

Edwards & Roberts was a notable British furniture maker and retailer established in the mid-19th century by Thomas Edwards and William Roberts. Based in London, the firm operated as furniture makers, upholsterers, and antique dealers between circa 1845 and 1899.

Edwards & Roberts specialised in fine-quality furniture, particularly French-style pieces and reproductions in the Adam, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton styles during the second half of the 19th century. Alongside producing original work, the firm gained recognition for its ability to restore and reinterpret earlier furniture, combining historic elements with high levels of craftsmanship and refined decorative detail.

Edwards & Roberts also operated extensively as retailers, and a number of pieces bearing their stamp were not manufactured by the firm itself. In some cases, they retailed works by other makers; for example, a known heart-shaped table by François Linke bears the Edwards & Roberts stamp, indicating it was sold through their firm.

In addition, they are known to have handled earlier furniture dating to the 18th century, which was adapted, restored, and subsequently retailed by them. This reflects their broader role not only as makers, but also as dealers working with earlier pieces.

Their reputation for quality and workmanship led to a distinguished clientele, including:

H.M. Queen Victoria
Duke of Cambridge
Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of York
Tsar Nicholas II

Qing Period Chinese Export Rosewood Inlaid Centre Table by Edwards & Roberts

Our Research & Documentation

We have handled a number of unique pieces by Edwards & Roberts. In this section, we will discuss a selection of examples, including an 18th century Dutch marquetry cabinet with a rare original receipt, a Chinese export table stamped by Edwards & Roberts, and an 18th century Pembroke table which was adapted and brought back to life by the firm in the 19th century.

Edwards & Roberts Receipt from the 1890s

First, an 18th century Dutch cabinet which was retailed and restored by Edwards & Roberts, and which we currently have listed. This example comes with an original receipt of purchase from Edwards & Roberts.

The receipt states the piece as a “Dutch Marquetry China Cabinet with drawers under”, along with the cost and a date of April 1890, and was signed off by Edwards & Roberts in July 1890. It was sold for a total price of 16 guineas to “The Rev. F. La Trobe Foster”.

Purchased for 16 guineas in 1890, this is equivalent to approximately 123 grams of gold, based on the gold content of around 16–17 British gold sovereign coins (22ct). At a gold price of £103.89 per gram (22ct), this equates to approximately £12,778 (calculated on 14 April 2026 for reference).

Retailed Chinese Export Furniture

Currently in stock is a Qing period Chinese export table retailed by Edwards & Roberts. This example bears three Edwards & Roberts stamps underneath the table top, on separate rails (the structural wooden supports beneath the top which run across the underside).

Chinese export furniture refers to pieces made in China specifically for Western buyers, particularly for the European and British markets, from the 18th to the mid-19th century. These works were produced by highly skilled Chinese craftsmen using traditional materials and techniques, often incorporating Western furniture forms alongside Chinese decorative motifs and symbolism. Edwards & Roberts most likely purchased such imports and retailed them. This is the only documented example of Chinese export furniture associated with Edwards & Roberts.

The construction of this table reflects the requirements of overseas transport for the Western market. The base is designed to dismantle into multiple sections, with the central column and leg supports made to be taken apart and reassembled using wooden dowels. The column sits centrally, with four intricately carved panels slotting into place. This allowed the table to be packed into a flatter case for transport, enabling more pieces to be shipped efficiently, while also allowing for easier reassembly by British or other Western retailers.

The Sheraton Style Painted Pembroke Table

A former piece, now sold, was a late Georgian Pembroke table, circa 1820, in the Sheraton style, stamped Edwards & Roberts to the drawer.

The table was originally a plain mahogany example when first made and was later adapted and enhanced by Edwards & Roberts, who added an intricate painted design in the Sheraton manner. The firm was well known for producing reproductions and decorative work in the Sheraton, Adam, and Hepplewhite styles, including painted and inlaid furniture.

The table also featured later 19th century brass handles, most likely added by Edwards & Roberts. This piece demonstrates how the firm could take a relatively simple earlier table and transform it into a more decorative and refined piece suited to 19th century tastes and interiors.