Object Type
This chair is one of a pair in the Museum's collection. The basic shape and construction is that of a barrel cut in half horizontally and vertically. The lack of surface decoration and dark stained finish emphasise the chair's sturdy practical form. It is ideally suited to heavy use in a busy public eating place.
Places
The chair was designed by the architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh for Kate Cranston's Ingram Street Tea Rooms in Glasgow. Whereas Mackintosh had collaborated with other designers on previous commissions for Miss Cranston, at Ingram Street he was responsible for both the interior decoration and the furniture.
Time
It is possible that this chair is one of 16 Francis Smith was paid for in 1907. Francis Smith was one of the local craftsmen whom Mackintosh used to execute his designs for furniture and interiors. According to the job book the chairs cost £1.8.6d.
Physical description
Barrel-shapped oak chair with slatted back. Drop-in synthetic leather covered seat. Iron covers on the rear feet.
Place of Origin
Glasgow, Scotland (manufactured)
Date
ca. 1907 (designed)
ca. 1907 (made)
Artist/maker
Mackintosh, Charles Rennie, born 1868 - died 1928 (designer)
Smith, Francis (probably, maker)
Materials and Techniques
Stained oak, with synthetic leather seat and iron covers on rear feet
Marks and inscriptions
[Drop-in seat] '4'
Dimensions
Height: 76.5 cm, Width: 59 cm top, Depth: 38 cm seat, Width: 46 cm base
[Drop-in seat] Height: 5.5 cm, Width: 45.5 cm, Depth: 33.0 cm
Object history note
This chair design was commissioned from Mackintosh by Kate Cranston for the Ingram Street Tea Room, Glasgow. It is possible this chair is one of sixteen Francis Smith was paid for in 1907. The tea room contents and furniture were acquired by the Glasgow Corporation in 1950. Some of the furniture was given by the Corporation to Glasgow School of art who gave this chair to the V&A in 1958.
Probably commissioned from Mackintosh by Miss Kate Cranston for the Ingram Street Tea Rooms, Glasgow. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (born in Glasgow, 1868, died in London, 1928); probably made by Frances Smith in Glasgow
Historical context note
The chair was designed for heavy use in a public catering setting
Descriptive line
Barrel-shaped oak chair
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Billcliffe, Roger. Charles Rennie Mackintosh: The Complete Furniture, Furniture Drawings and Interior Designs. Guildford and London: Lutterworth, 1979. 256 p., ill. ISBN 0 7188 2376 1
1907.5, p.195
Labels and date
British Galleries:
Mackintosh designed some of his most original and complete buildings and interior decorative schemes for tea rooms in Glasgow owned by Kate Cranston. This table and chairs derive their decorative detail from the construction. Look for the pattern on the top of the table made by the square tenons where the legs join the top. [27/03/2003]
Production Note
"Francis Smith was paid for 16 armchairs at £1.8.6d each (no date given, but probably 18 December, 1907).... There are no other chairs associated with Ingram Street which could be called armchairs, and I believe that the details in the job-book apply to this barrel chair." Roger Billcliffe, 1979, p195.
Attribution note: Commissioned for the Ingram Street Tea Rooms, Glasgow
Reason For Production: Commission
Materials
Oak; Iron; Leatherette
Techniques
Staining; Upholstering; Construction
Categories
Furniture; British Galleries
Production Type
Limited edition
Collection code
FWK
