Design for an upholstered armchair 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 an armchair, executed as a presentation piece, by John Linnell demonstrates the importance placed upon comfort and convenience in the latter half of the 18th century. The emphasis upon the upholstery within this design displays that the chair would have been covered in a luxurious material such as patterned damask or silk. Comfortable yet lavish furniture such as this would have been used within rooms such as state drawing rooms within a wealthy household where they could be enjoyed by guests. Interiors such as the library and private domestic rooms were also appropriate locations.
This design is very similar in style to a set of twelve mahogany armchairs, made by the Linnell firm, to designs by the neoclassical architect Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) for Osterley Park ca.1759-1763 and demonstrates that Linnell was inspired by other designers (Hayward and Kirkham p.35). This chair design displays the stylistic features of the increasingly popular neoclassical style such as the patera ornament at the top of the chair legs and the Vitruvian scroll used to decorate the chair rail. The neoclassical revived the classical styles of ancient Greece and Rome and became extremely fashionable in the second half of the 18th century.
This design is very similar in style to a set of twelve mahogany armchairs, made by the Linnell firm, to designs by the neoclassical architect Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) for Osterley Park ca.1759-1763 and demonstrates that Linnell was inspired by other designers (Hayward and Kirkham p.35). This chair design displays the stylistic features of the increasingly popular neoclassical style such as the patera ornament at the top of the chair legs and the Vitruvian scroll used to decorate the chair rail. The neoclassical revived the classical styles of ancient Greece and Rome and became extremely fashionable in the second half of the 18th century.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Design for an upholstered armchair 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 yellow and blue watercolour |
| Brief description | Design for an upholstered armchair in pencil, pen, yellow and blue 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 an armchair in the neoclassical style. The chair has fluted, tapered front legs while the back legs are raked. The seat frame is decorated with a Vitruvian scroll and above the chair legs are patera ornamentation. The design incorporates a large amount of upholstery (including on the arm rests) which is patterned and coloured blue. The rest of the chair is in a yellow watercolour, to demonstrate gilding. 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 | 'Plate 2. No.4' |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This design for an armchair, executed as a presentation piece, by John Linnell demonstrates the importance placed upon comfort and convenience in the latter half of the 18th century. The emphasis upon the upholstery within this design displays that the chair would have been covered in a luxurious material such as patterned damask or silk. Comfortable yet lavish furniture such as this would have been used within rooms such as state drawing rooms within a wealthy household where they could be enjoyed by guests. Interiors such as the library and private domestic rooms were also appropriate locations. This design is very similar in style to a set of twelve mahogany armchairs, made by the Linnell firm, to designs by the neoclassical architect Sir William Chambers (1723-1796) for Osterley Park ca.1759-1763 and demonstrates that Linnell was inspired by other designers (Hayward and Kirkham p.35). This chair design displays the stylistic features of the increasingly popular neoclassical style such as the patera ornament at the top of the chair legs and the Vitruvian scroll used to decorate the chair rail. The neoclassical revived the classical styles of ancient Greece and Rome and became extremely fashionable in the second half of the 18th century. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.79-1929 |
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| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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