Jewel cabinet of Queen Marie Antoinette, of mahogany, gilt, inlaid, carved, and with painted plaques (1910 - 1911)

Edwin Foley authored and illustrated The Book of Decorative Furniture, an important two-volume work published by T. C. & E. C. Jack between 1910 and 1911. This exhaustive publication included one hundred full-color reproductions along with a thousand illustrations within the text, providing a broad visual overview of decorative furniture. The book was met with great enthusiasm, leading to multiple editions and establishing its influence and popularity among decorative arts aficionados.

Although his book made a significant impression, details regarding Edwin Foley’s personal life and professional background are scarce. What is known is that he held the title of Fellow of the institute of designers, a distinction indicating his esteem within the design community. Aside from this, little has been recorded about his wider artistic endeavors or career activities.

Edwin John Foley was born in Fisherton Anger, Wiltshire, around 1859, as the second child and eldest son of Arthur Foley, who owned the Fisherton Cabinet Works in Salisbury, and his wife Jane. At least part of Foley’s schooling took place in London while he stayed with his relatives Peter and Rhoda Marie Brown, suggesting he was exposed early on to metropolitan life and, perhaps, the city’s artistic milieu.

In the early 1880s, Foley began assisting his father as a designer. By 1891, he had taken up residence with his wife, Louisa Maud (née Hayford), whom he married in 1882, on Charlotte Street in Marylebone. The couple had three sons: Conrad Hayford, Hubert Edwin, and Alan Victor. Later, Foley moved to 294 Camden Road, Middlesex, and eventually passed away on 25 April 1912 in Cottesloe, Western Australia. Those wishing to see further examples of his illustrations will find many held in the Look and Learn picture library.