Edward Barnsley
English furniture designer and maker
About Edward Barnsley
Lived 1900 – 1987 (aged 87). Edward Barnsley was a British furniture maker and furniture designer.
William Edward Barnsley (7 February 1900 2 December 1987) was an English designer and maker of furniture, teacher and important figure in the 20th-century British craft movement.
Born in Duntisbourne Rouse, Gloucestershire, he was the son of Sidney Barnsley who trained as an architect with Norman Shaw, and the nephew of Ernest Barnsley. These two family members were leading figure heads of the Arts and Crafts movement along with their friend, Ernest Gimson. Edward Barnsley was educated at Bedales School, and as a young man, worked on the building of the school's Grade I listed library, which was designed by Gimson.
Barnsley's most celebrated work is possibly the archbishop's throne and lectern in Canterbury Cathedral.
He died in Portsmouth, aged 87.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Edward Barnsley?
English furniture designer and maker (1900–1987)
When was Edward Barnsley born?
Edward Barnsley was born on 7 February 1900.
When did Edward Barnsley die?
Edward Barnsley died on 2 December 1987.
What was Edward Barnsley's occupation?
Edward Barnsley was a furniture maker and furniture designer.
What nationality was Edward Barnsley?
Edward Barnsley was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Edward Barnsley. https://biography.guide/edward-barnsley/
MLA: "Edward Barnsley." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/edward-barnsley/.
Chicago: "Edward Barnsley." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/edward-barnsley/.
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