A LATE VICTORIAN MAHOGANY SOFA

Howard and Sons are now most famous for the comfort and elegance of their easy armchairs and sofas but they were also one of the most successful and well known of the big Victorian cabinet-making firms. Formed by John Howard in 1820, their premises were based firstly in Lemon Street circa 1820, then at Little Alice Street by 1835. They upgraded again, moving to sought-after premises at 22 & 36 Berners Street in the fashionable West End quarter by 1854, where the firm remained for the duration of the century. The firm built up a formidable business, promoting themselves at the famous 1851 Great Exhibition, and amongst several notable commissions contributed to the furnishing of Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire and Elton Hall, Huntingdonshire.