A design for an armchair in the neoclassical style 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
ca.1768-1770 (made)
ca.1768-1770 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This design for an armchair demonstrates John Linnell’s use of neoclassical forms within his furniture designs. The neoclassical style became popular towards the end of the 18th century and took its inspiration from Classical Greece and Rome. The straight and fluted legs are typical features of the way in which Linnell, amongst other designers, was employing neoclassical features.
Chairs like this could have been placed in the state rooms of the house, such as the drawing room, and would be enjoyed by the family as well as guests. The emphasis upon the upholstery attests to the importance placed upon comfort and convenience during the latter half of the 18th century. The blue patterned watercolour displays that this chair would have been upholstered with a lavish blue damask material while the wooden chair frame and legs would have been gilded. While this design is executed professionally and accurately as a presentation piece, Linnell has changed the pattern on the frame of the chair seat. A chair similar in shape to this design (and made by the Linnell firm) exists at the Victoria and Albert museum (museum number W.42-1946).
Chairs like this could have been placed in the state rooms of the house, such as the drawing room, and would be enjoyed by the family as well as guests. The emphasis upon the upholstery attests to the importance placed upon comfort and convenience during the latter half of the 18th century. The blue patterned watercolour displays that this chair would have been upholstered with a lavish blue damask material while the wooden chair frame and legs would have been gilded. While this design is executed professionally and accurately as a presentation piece, Linnell has changed the pattern on the frame of the chair seat. A chair similar in shape to this design (and made by the Linnell firm) exists at the Victoria and Albert museum (museum number W.42-1946).
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | A design for an armchair in the neoclassical style 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 an armchair in the neoclassical style in pencil, pen, blue and yellow watercolour from a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, ca.1768-1770 |
| Physical description | A design for an armchair in the neoclassical style. On the crest rail of the chair is a portrait medallion. Neoclassical features such as the fluted legs and the patera decoration are incorporated into the design. The armrest supports are curved in form and feature some beaded decoration. The upholstery is painted blue and the chair frame is coloured with a yellow watercolour. 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 |
|
| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'Plate 3. No. 1' |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This design for an armchair demonstrates John Linnell’s use of neoclassical forms within his furniture designs. The neoclassical style became popular towards the end of the 18th century and took its inspiration from Classical Greece and Rome. The straight and fluted legs are typical features of the way in which Linnell, amongst other designers, was employing neoclassical features. Chairs like this could have been placed in the state rooms of the house, such as the drawing room, and would be enjoyed by the family as well as guests. The emphasis upon the upholstery attests to the importance placed upon comfort and convenience during the latter half of the 18th century. The blue patterned watercolour displays that this chair would have been upholstered with a lavish blue damask material while the wooden chair frame and legs would have been gilded. While this design is executed professionally and accurately as a presentation piece, Linnell has changed the pattern on the frame of the chair seat. A chair similar in shape to this design (and made by the Linnell firm) exists at the Victoria and Albert museum (museum number W.42-1946). |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.78-1929 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
