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A Design for an 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, Upholsterer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800.

Drawing
late 18th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This design for an armchair was composed by John Linnell in the late 18th century. It displays some of the French-inspired rococo forms such as curved arm rails and cabriole legs (defined by their curved and tapered form) which were popular in furniture at the time. The rococo style became popular in England around 1730 and can be identified by features such as elaborate S and C curved forms, naturalistic motifs and asymmetry.

Heavily upholstered chairs such as this could have been used within domestic rooms such as drawing rooms due to the emphasis placed upon comfort. There is little detail upon the upholstery suggesting that Linnell’s priority in this design was the form of the chair. Furniture such as this would often be upholstered in luxurious materials such as richly coloured damask.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleA Design for an 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, Upholsterer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800. (generic title)
Materials and techniques
pencil, pen and ink and wash
Brief description
Design for an armchair in pen and ink 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 pen and ink with a wash on paper. A simple line drawing with curved arm rails and cabriole legs, the design for the upholstery is plain but appears to be held in place with brass buttons around the edges. 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: 15.7cm
  • Volume width: 10.7cm
Styles
Marks and inscriptions
'No.2'
Subjects depicted
Summary
This design for an armchair was composed by John Linnell in the late 18th century. It displays some of the French-inspired rococo forms such as curved arm rails and cabriole legs (defined by their curved and tapered form) which were popular in furniture at the time. The rococo style became popular in England around 1730 and can be identified by features such as elaborate S and C curved forms, naturalistic motifs and asymmetry.

Heavily upholstered chairs such as this could have been used within domestic rooms such as drawing rooms due to the emphasis placed upon comfort. There is little detail upon the upholstery suggesting that Linnell’s priority in this design was the form of the chair. Furniture such as this would often be upholstered in luxurious materials such as richly coloured damask.
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.61-1929

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
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