Chair thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On display at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Bridlington

This object consists of 3 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Chair

1720-1740 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This chair is an early example of mahogany seat furniture. Mahogany was first imported to Britain during the reign of Charles II (1660-1685), and very quickly became the preferred wood for luxury furniture in the early 18th century. Several factors may have contributed to the preference for mahogany over walnut including shortages of English walnut, and the density of mahogany which allowed crisp and fine carving and suited the rapidly changing trends in fashionable furniture.

This object is on loan to Sewerby Hall.


Object details

Category
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 3 parts.

  • Chair
  • Chair Seat
  • Leatherette Seat Cover
Materials and techniques
Mahogany, carved, with upholstered seat
Brief description
Mahogany chair, English, 1720-1740
Physical description
Mahogany chair, one of a pair with W.13-1950, with a rounded back frame and a vase-shaped back splat, a rounded and upholstered drop-in seat, and cabriole legs, the front legs carved with scallop shells and husks on the knee. The legs terminate in pad feet
Dimensions
  • Height: 99cm
  • Width: 53.5cm
  • Depth: 52cm
Credit line
Bequeathed by H.C. Coleman
Summary
This chair is an early example of mahogany seat furniture. Mahogany was first imported to Britain during the reign of Charles II (1660-1685), and very quickly became the preferred wood for luxury furniture in the early 18th century. Several factors may have contributed to the preference for mahogany over walnut including shortages of English walnut, and the density of mahogany which allowed crisp and fine carving and suited the rapidly changing trends in fashionable furniture.

This object is on loan to Sewerby Hall.
Associated object
W.13-1950 (Set)
Collection
Accession number
W.12 to B-1950

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Record createdNovember 23, 2005
Record URL
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