Windsor chair
Category
Furniture
Date
circa 1770
Materials
Yew, cherry, elm
Measurements
100 x 58.5 x 59.5 cm
Place of origin
Thames Valley
Order this imageCollection
Owletts, Kent
NT 1410973
Summary
A yew, cherry and elm Windsor armchair, Thames Valley, circa 1770. The hoop-back with pierced vase splat and armbow with incurved front supports, the shaped figured elm seat standing on cabriole front legs with pad feet and joined by H-stretcher, with an ivorine plate affixed to the rear of the seat 'Given by the dying wish of CHAPMAN to his Master. 30th Jan: 1932.'
Full description
This type of Windsor armchair epitomises the classic model produced in London and the Thames Valley from the middle of the 18th century. It has the fashionable cabriole leg and the pierced splat echoes the vase splat of typical mahogany dining chairs of the time. The use of prized yew made this chair very desirable at the time it was made and still so today.
Provenance
Bequeathed to Sir Herbert Baker on 30 January 1932 by Chapman, his gardener.
Marks and inscriptions
On rear of seat: Given by the dying wish of / CHAPMAN / to his Master. 30th Jan: 1932.
References
Harding-Hill, Michael 'Windsor Chairs. An Illustrated Celebration' (Woodbridge, Antique Collectors' Club, 2003), p.56 and 61