Prominent Australian Colonial furniture maker Joseph Sly was born in England in 1834. He immigrated to Australia in the mid-1850s, during the height of the gold rush, and soon found work as a carpenter and furniture maker in Melbourne.

Sly established himself as one of the leading furniture makers in the colony, and his work was highly sought after by wealthy and influential members of society. In the late 1860s, Sly established his own furniture-making business in Melbourne, which he named Joseph Sly & Co. Sly's work was characterized by its elegance and sophistication, and he was particularly known for his skill in crafting elaborate designs, such as ornate carving and inlaid patterns. His furniture was also notable for its durability, with many pieces surviving to this day in excellent condition.

Despite his success, Sly was known for his modesty and his commitment to his craft. He more...

9 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A rare colonial cedar chiffonier by Joseph Sly, New-South-Wales,…

A rare colonial cedar chiffonier by Joseph Sly, New-South-Wales, Australian circa 1845. impressed stamp "J Sly" twice to rear. Provenance: Once the property of descendants of Joseph Sly and thence to current owner, 108 cm wide, 52 cm deep 165 cm high

Joseph Sly pedestal base supper table, Australian cedar, New…

1850s Australian Cedar Supper Table by Joseph Sly

Joseph Sly pedestal base supper table, Australian cedar, New South Wales origin, circa 1850s, stamped 'J. Sly, 73 cm high, 131 cm diameter

Joseph Sly Colonial cedar footstool, mid 19th century, stamped…

J. Sly Colonial Cedar Footstool, Mid 19th Century

Joseph Sly Colonial cedar footstool, mid 19th century, stamped on the inside rail 'J.Sly', 17 cm high, 43 cm wide, 43 cm deep

Joseph Sly, four drawer chest, Australian cedar, Sydney, mid…

J. Sly Cedar Chest, Sydney, 19th Century

Joseph Sly, four drawer chest, Australian cedar, Sydney, mid 19th century, stamped 'J. Sly' inside top drawers, 92 cm high, 95 cm wide, 47 cm deep

Joseph Sly Australian cedar five drawer chest, circa 1845, full…

1845 Australian Cedar Five Drawer Chest by J. Sly

Joseph Sly Australian cedar five drawer chest, circa 1845, full cedar construction with slab cedar back panels, stamped 'J. Sly' on the back, 121 cm high, 190 cm wide, 57 cm deep

A rare Australian cedar revolving piano stool carved with gum…

Carved Cedar Revolving Piano Stool, Sydney 1840s

A rare Australian cedar revolving piano stool carved with gum leaves, stamped 'J. Sly', Sydney, circa 1840s, 55 cm high, 36 cm wide

Joseph Sly colonial cedar piano stool, with maker's stamp to…

1850 Colonial Cedar Piano Stool with Maker's Stamp

Joseph Sly colonial cedar piano stool, with maker's stamp to base, circa 1850, has later modification with removal of pedestal centre

Pair of Colonial cedar dining chairs stamped J Sly to underside…

Colonial Cedar Dining Chairs by J. Sly

Pair of Colonial cedar dining chairs stamped J Sly to underside rail

An Australian full cedar sideboard by Joseph Sly, circa 1845,…

Joseph Sly Cedar Sideboard, Australia, circa 1845

An Australian full cedar sideboard by Joseph Sly, circa 1845, the shaped back with foliate scroll carved decoration above an inverted breakfront top, over ogee moulded drawers and three cupboard doors, two enclosing single shelves and one with three…