One of Holly Johnson Antiques specialisms is English Arts and Crafts, and the showrooms hand-picked selection of top quality pieces includes the work of several craftsmen and designers, ranging from Gordon Russell, to Edward Barnsley, to Heals of London.
Heals of London Limed Oak fold down bureau
Our Heals pieces are some of the most eye-catching and notable amongst our whole collection – not surprising considering Ambrose Heal was well known for his superb Arts and Crafts designs and innovation.
Oak chest of drawers by Heals of London
Heals first opened its doors in London, 1810 at Rathbone Place. Originally, the business made and sold French-style feather-filled mattresses, and later expanded into a wider range of furniture, including beds dressers, and tables.
Fanny Heal, the widow of Heals founder who died in 1833, renamed the business to Fanny Heal & Son and in 1893, Ambrose Heal junior joined his familys firm as a furniture designer. Ambrose caused quite a stir upon joining the firm, with his Arts and Crafts style furniture which was so far apart from the Queen Anne style of the time.
In fact, Ambrose is considered by some to be a pioneer of modern design, introducing the use of simple, practical lines in furniture. He was even described by The Times as one of the great artists and craftsmen of his time.
Ambrose played a very important role in building the reputation of the firm as a leading London retailer of good quality design; indeed, it was soon after he joined the firm that Heals of London became a hugely popular destination shop with its modern furniture designs. Ambrose Heal was very much ahead of his time, and his designs appeared at exhibitions of the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society.
In 1913 Heal became chairman of the firm, and they rebuilt the shop on Tottenham Court Road. The shop was a combination of good design and art, and it also housed a gallery at the top. By this time, Heal pieces had gained popularity among collectors, and over the next forty years Heal widened the scope and reputation of the firm. His style of furniture which initially reflected his own preference for Arts and Crafts went on to embrace Art Deco and Modernist designs.
Our carefully selected collection of Heals pieces include a limed oak fold down bureau, an Art Deco desk in light oak, a limed oak tallboy and an oak chest of drawers.
To enquire about any of the Heals of London pieces stocked at Holly Johnson Antiques, please contact us on 01565 270011 or holly@hollyjohnsonantiques.com.
Heals of London Limed Oak fold down bureau. Very good condition, measures 94cm high x 61cm wide x 38 cm deep. Light ink staining inside. Fall front opening revealing pigeon holes. Two graduated drawers and four square legs united by a H stretcher.
£2200
Art Deco desk in light Oak by Heals of London. Leather inset top above two pillars of drawers. Heals ivorine plaque to top of drawer. Measures 137cm wide x 61cm deep x 77cm high.
£4200
This Heals of London Limed Oak Tallboy measures 122cm high x 91cm wide x 47cm deep. Features twin cupboard doors above three long graduating drawers. Swept bracket feet.
£3500
Oak chest of drawers by Heals of London. Raised back with fluted side columns, shaped tapering handles. Three drawers. 75cm high x 75cm wide x 42cm deep
£1350
