Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level E , Case W, Shelf 8, Box C1

A Design for a Chair Back 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.1765-1770 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This design for a chair back by John Linnell ca.1765-1770, demonstrates the growing popularity of the neoclassical style during the second half of the 18th century. Based on the art and design of Classical Greece and Rome, neoclassicism was also informed by the ancient ruins that were being discovered at sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. The lyre-shaped splat and the formal, fluted side rails are typical features of neoclassical design. The foliage entwined around the otherwise formal structure displays the fashion for incorporating naturalistic motifs. The symmetrical arrangement of this natural ornament displays Linnell’s transition from the flamboyant rococo style that dominated his earlier furniture designs. The rococo was popular in England around 1730 and identified by features such as elaborate S and C shaped curves and asymmetry.

Linnell’s priority in this design is the chair back, emphasised by its appearance as a presentation piece. The yellow watercolour that he has used suggests that this chair back would have been gilded. Linnell supplied lyre-back chairs of a different design for the library at Osterley Park, the country house of Robert Child, a wealthy banker. This house was redecorated in the neoclassical style by Robert Adam who was also supplying designs for lyre-back chairs. As well as within the library, chairs of this design could also have been placed within the picture gallery of a grand country or town house, for example, positioned in a formal arrangement against the wall.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleA Design for a Chair Back 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 ink and watercolour
Brief description
Design for a chair back in pencil, pen, ink and yellow watercolour, from a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, ca.1765-1770
Physical description
A design for a chair back in the neoclassical style. The central panel of the chair adopts the form of a lyre surmounted by a portrait medallion, festoons and a wreath. The side rails of the chair back are fluted and straight in form with symmetrical foliage entwined around them. The design is executed in pencil and ink with a yellow wash. 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
  • Volume height: 11.3cm
  • Volume width: 8.8cm
Style
Historical context
Used to form part of a chair without armrests which would probably have been made in a pair or set and positioned in a formal arrangement within the interior and used in rooms such as the library.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This design for a chair back by John Linnell ca.1765-1770, demonstrates the growing popularity of the neoclassical style during the second half of the 18th century. Based on the art and design of Classical Greece and Rome, neoclassicism was also informed by the ancient ruins that were being discovered at sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. The lyre-shaped splat and the formal, fluted side rails are typical features of neoclassical design. The foliage entwined around the otherwise formal structure displays the fashion for incorporating naturalistic motifs. The symmetrical arrangement of this natural ornament displays Linnell’s transition from the flamboyant rococo style that dominated his earlier furniture designs. The rococo was popular in England around 1730 and identified by features such as elaborate S and C shaped curves and asymmetry.

Linnell’s priority in this design is the chair back, emphasised by its appearance as a presentation piece. The yellow watercolour that he has used suggests that this chair back would have been gilded. Linnell supplied lyre-back chairs of a different design for the library at Osterley Park, the country house of Robert Child, a wealthy banker. This house was redecorated in the neoclassical style by Robert Adam who was also supplying designs for lyre-back chairs. As well as within the library, chairs of this design could also have been placed within the picture gallery of a grand country or town house, for example, positioned in a formal arrangement against the wall.
Associated object
Bibliographic references
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1929, London: Board of Education, 1930.
  • Hayward, H. and Kirkham, P. William and John Linnell Eighteenth Century London Furniture Makers, London; Studio Vista, Christie’s (1980)
Collection
Accession number
E.63-1929

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

Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest