'Rossetti' armchair
Dante Gabriel Rossetti (London 1828 - Birchington 1882)
Category
Furniture
Date
1863 - 1915
Materials
Ebonized beech, rush seat, paint
Measurements
88.5 x 51.5 x 51.5 cm
Place of origin
London
Collection
Red House, Kent
NT 60367
Summary
An ebonized beech 'Rossetti' armchair, design attributed to Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882), the curved top rail supported by nine curved spindles supported on a lower horizontal shaped splat, the spindles are waisted with a small horizontal band, the uprights with small turned finials, the armrests curving over to the turned supports which extend down into the circular rush seat, the seat encircled with a thin rail, the front legs of turned and tapering form with small turned feet, the front legs joined by a turned stretcher, the rear legs of plain circular form, slightly splayed, the rear and front legs joined by two circular stretchers, the rear legs joined by a single stretcher. The top rail and uprights are painted with red borders, the curved spindles are alternately painted red, the armrest supports and legs with red painted bands.This pattern of chair was made and sold by Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. (and later Morris & Co.) from the 1860s until the 1920s. The form of the chair is thought to have been inspired by an early 19th century chair owned by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, probably from rural France. This model of chair was part of the company's successful 'Sussex' range.
Makers and roles
Dante Gabriel Rossetti (London 1828 - Birchington 1882), designer Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co. , manufacturer Morris & Co., manufacturer