About The Author Richard Bebb

The long-awaited comprehensive study of this renowned tradition by the recognized authority- Richard Bebb.
Two volumes each of approximately 380 pages 11.5 ins (290 mm) by 9.5 ins (240 mm). Casebound in cloth with colour dust jackets, both volumes contained in a colour slipcase.Over 1500 (mostly colour) plates - the majority of which are of previously unpublished pieces and commissioned specifically for this project.

Available Now From
www.WelshFurniture.com/

A native of the Rhondda Valley, Glamorgan, Richard Bebb graduated in Social Anthropology from the London School of Economics. In 1970 he settled in Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, and began his career .as an antiques dealer creating. Country Antiques (Wales) Ltd which specialises in furniture from Wales. Always absorbed in its social and domestic context, he commenced his study of these distinctive artefacts around 1990, travelling extensively throughout Wales (as well as England and the United States) to examine both furniture and archival material in private houses and public institutions.

This present book is the result of this 16-years of fresh research, and attempts to explain furniture history to those who have an interest in all things Welsh, and Welsh culture and history to those interested in furniture.

Reviews of Welsh Furniture 1250-1950

The long-awaited comprehensive study of this renowned tradition by the recognized authority- Richard Bebb.
Two volumes each of approximately 380 pages 11.5 ins (290 mm) by 9.5 ins (240 mm). Casebound in cloth with colour dust jackets, both volumes contained in a colour slipcase.Over 1500 (mostly colour) plates - the majority of which are of previously unpublished pieces and commissioned specifically for this project.
Available Now From
www.WelshFurniture.com/

"... Richard Bebb's work is a tour de force, and its breadth is astonishing. The time-scale studied is wider than the norm; by 450 years, and the story is brought up to 1950. But all this would have been meaningless if the author did not have a tale to tell. Rest assured, he does.Recognized as the foremost authority on Welsh antique furniture, Richard Bebb examined personally thousands of pieces of furniture and hundreds of documents. The outcome is ‘Welsh Furniture 1250 - 1950, A Cultural History of Craftsmanship and Design' which is set to become a classic reference book for historians, craftsmen, those involved in furniture design and the decorative arts; antiques dealers, owners and collectors; and all those with an interest in Welsh culture..."

National Museum Wales


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“... profusely and superbly illustrated and written in a clear, accessible style that both the connoisseur and layman will find pleasing. These books are richly informed about the society of Wales down the centuries and relate the furniture to the times in which it was produced.”

Cambria


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"Possibly the only guide to Welsh Furniture down the ages you will ever need ... it took 16 years of research, but Richard Bebb has at last published the definitive guide."

Western Mail

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"... The publication this month of Welsh Furniture 1250-1950 A Cultural History of Craftsmanship and Design is a cause for great celebration. I only wish it had been available when we were filling our two-houses-ago home with the stuff. We might not have made the mistakes we did - like the "Welsh dresser", the plate rack and base of which were complete strangers to each other.The new, massive two-volume book is the work of Richard Bebb, a Carmarthenshire antiques dealer, who has devoted 16 years of his life to its authorship.... The result is a beautifully designed and illustrated pair of volumes with 825 pages containing more than 1,500 illustrations, most commissioned specially.The period covered by the two volumes, some 700 years, is ambitious to say the least, but the work is incredibly thorough. Bebb examined personally thousands of pieces of furniture and hundreds of documents, both in people's homes and museum reference departments.He has produced not just a book about the history of furniture but also, with the generous use of contemporary photographs, a study of Welsh homes and Welsh people living proudly with it.Thus, the two volumes become vital not just for the collector and dealer but also the antiquarian, the architect, the social historian, and for the countless number of people eager to trace their Welsh ancestry..."

Daily Post June 23, 2007


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"... Welsh Furniture 1250 is a final triumphant result of 16 years of research and travel by the respected Welsh antiques dealer Richard Bebb who is the acknowledged authority on the subject. ... Bebb challenges the view that country or provincial furniture is essentially derivative by suggesting that through the central part played by craftsmen, innovation can take place far away from metropolitan centres. This book is certain to become a classic reference book, providing essential reading not only for antiques dealers but also for historians in many fields, craftsmen, furniture designers, owners and collectors and all who are interested in Welsh culture..."

L.A.P.A.D.A News & Views, Summer 2007


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"...unquestionably the definitive work on Welsh furniture - and that is the verdict of his famously knowledgeable countrymen and fellow dealers.Although there have been a few other books on the theme, Welsh Furniture 1250-1950: A Cultural History of Craftsmanship and Design is the only serious work of this stature on the subject."

Antiques Trade Gazette July 2007

Books Available From:

http://www.welshfurniture.com/

Tel: 01554890328

The Long-Awaited Welsh Furniture Study

The long-awaited comprehensive study of this renowned tradition by the recognized authority- Richard Bebb.

Two volumes each of approximately 380 pages 11.5 ins (290 mm) by 9.5 ins (240 mm). Casebound in cloth with colour dust jackets, both volumes contained in a colour slipcase.Over 1500 (mostly colour) plates - the majority of which are of previously unpublished pieces and commissioned specifically for this project.

Available Now From

www.WelshFurniture.com/

This present book is the result of this 16-years of fresh research, and attempts to explain furniture history to those who have an interest in all things Welsh, and Welsh culture and history to those interested in furniture.

The subject is dealt with chronologically, and uses numerous detailed case studies. The accepted view which sees “country” or “provincial” furniture as essentially derivative is challenged; an alternative approach is recommended which recognizes the central part played by craftsmen and suggests that development and innovation can take place in areas far removed from metropolitan centres.

The text is fully illustrated in colour with over 1500 plates (including some showing fixed woodwork, contemporary interior paintings and craftsmen’s inscriptions).Principally of pieces which have not previously been published, most were taken specially for this project.

In recognition of the importance of this work, many were provided by National Museum

Wales and The National Library of Wales as well as other national and local bodies. Private owners were also generous in allowing the use of their collections.

This title is certain to become a classic reference book, providing essential reading for historians in many fields; craftsmen and those involved in furniture design and the decorative arts; antiques dealers, owners and collectors; and all those with an interest in Welsh culture.