VAL D'OSNE FOUNDRY

The design for this bench is illustrated in the 1858 Barbezat et Cie. Founderies du Val D'Osne catalogue under Bancs de Jardin, Plate 251.The industry of producing cast iron garden ornament and furniture was at its height in France during this period, with numerous Parisian fonderies producing a wealth of garden furniture in this ideal medium. The Societé Anonyme du Val d'Osne was no exception, being responsible for producing some of the finest quality workmanship in the field. The company changed ownership twice in the late 1860's, from the well-renowned firm of Barbezat to the Societé Anonyme du Val d'Osne in 1870. An identical seat is illustrated in Regency Furniture by Francis Collard, p. 232, and in Antique Garden Ornament by John Davis, published by the Antique Collector's Club, 1991, p. 350