Design for a lyre-back chair from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholserer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800.
Drawing
late 18th century (made)
late 18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This design for a lyre-back chair is inventive and experimental in form, in particular the way in which Linnell has incorporated a heavy stretcher linking the chair legs. The design of the chair rail is similar to the style of William Kent (the early Georgian architect and designer b.1685-d.1748). The emphasis upon the rich ornament and the heavily carved chair legs, demonstrates Linnell’s enthusiasm for carving. This variety of ornament is typical of Linnell’s designs in transition from one style to another. While the curved and ornamental chair legs embody the stylistic originality of the rococo, the lyre back is indicative of Linnell’s adoption of neoclassical forms. The rococo was popular in Britain from around 1730 and characterised by asymmetry, S and C curved forms and scrolling foliage decoration. Towards the end of the 18th century, the neoclassical style became increasingly popular and drew its inspiration from classical Greece and Rome. The lion paw feet were not invented by Linnell however he used them in several other designs for chairs such as his design for an armchair for Nathaniel Curzon, E.81-1929. The upholstery of this chair would have been blue, and the frame including the carved decoration would have been gilded.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Design for a lyre-back chair from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholserer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800. (series title) |
| Materials and techniques | pencil, pen and blue and yellow watercolour |
| Brief description | Design for a lyre-back chair in pencil, pen, blue and yellow watercolour from a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, late 18th century |
| Physical description | A design for a lyre-back chair. The chair back features heavy, carved detail including a lyre shape surmounted by a crown motif. A wreath of foliage is also incorporated into this design. The chair legs are curved in form and terminate in lions paws. Unusually there is a stretcher linking the chair legs, possibly as a stylistic device. The upholstery is blue while the frame is yellow. One of a set of designs for furniture, including chairs and state beds, interior decoration, including pier glasses, and architectural fittings including chimney pieces and doors. In a volume. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'p.3. foq' |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This design for a lyre-back chair is inventive and experimental in form, in particular the way in which Linnell has incorporated a heavy stretcher linking the chair legs. The design of the chair rail is similar to the style of William Kent (the early Georgian architect and designer b.1685-d.1748). The emphasis upon the rich ornament and the heavily carved chair legs, demonstrates Linnell’s enthusiasm for carving. This variety of ornament is typical of Linnell’s designs in transition from one style to another. While the curved and ornamental chair legs embody the stylistic originality of the rococo, the lyre back is indicative of Linnell’s adoption of neoclassical forms. The rococo was popular in Britain from around 1730 and characterised by asymmetry, S and C curved forms and scrolling foliage decoration. Towards the end of the 18th century, the neoclassical style became increasingly popular and drew its inspiration from classical Greece and Rome. The lion paw feet were not invented by Linnell however he used them in several other designs for chairs such as his design for an armchair for Nathaniel Curzon, E.81-1929. The upholstery of this chair would have been blue, and the frame including the carved decoration would have been gilded. |
| Bibliographic reference | Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1929, London: Board of Education, 1930. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.80-1929 |
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| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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