Interiors and Furnishings: Illustrated Guide 1500-1800

Discover the antique furnishings of 1500 - 1800 through the drawings of Edwin Foley, a Fellow of the Institute of Designers and the author of Some Old Woodwork, Our Household Gods: their Design and Designers and, the source of the plates included in this publication, The Book of Decorative Furniture, Its Form, Colour, & History. The furnishings are illustrated “to show each example with contemporary accessories and environment.”

What can be found out about the author is mainly through genealogical records which indicate that he was born in the English county of Wilts [Wiltshire] in about 1859. His father was Arthur Foley, an inventor with patents, manufacturer, wholesale and retail furniture retailer as well as a building contractor. Edwin’s mother was Jane Foley. He had a brother Arthur Charles Foley who took an active part in the father’s business, Fisherton Steam Cabinet Works. His father died in 1894 and in that same year the partnership between Arthur, Jane and Arthur Charles was dissolved. Edwin designed furniture for his father but it is unclear of how long he was involved in his father’s business.
The Sunday Times (Perth, WA) of May 5, 1912 reported Edwin’s death as follows:

“The death occurred at Cottesloe recently of Mr. Edwin Foley, Fellow of the Institute of Designers. Deceased was a recognized authority on decorative furniture and allied applied arts, and on antiques. He was well known in England as a lecturer, designer and author, and his last work, “The Book of Decorative Furniture” is a standard work on the subject in Europe and America. The deceased gentleman was 52 years of age. He had been visiting W.A. in search of health.” From genealogical records, Edwin was buried at the Devizes Road Cemetery Wiltshire.