Upholstered Furniture in the Lady Lever Art Gallery

This magnificent two-volume set explores one aspect of the outstanding collection of furniture that the great collector Sir William Lever, 1st Viscount Leverhulme (1851–1925), bequeathed to the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, Merseyside: the pieces designed for support—primarily seat furniture, but also beds, footstools, and a coach model.While most of the collection is British, the largest and one of the most important sets was crafted in Rome for Napoleon’s uncle, Cardinal Fesch. The catalogue provides detailed information on patrons, designers, and makers, and on aspects of design, manufacture, upholstery, and usage for each piece in the collection.

Lucy Wood is senior curator in the Furniture, Textiles and Fashion Department of the Victoria and Albert Museum. She is former curator of the Lady Lever Art Gallery and author of the catalogue of commodes in its collection.