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Stool
unknown - Enlarge image
Stool
- Place of origin:
Great Britain, UK (made)
- Date:
1600-1620 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
unknown (production)
- Materials and Techniques:
Oak, joined, with turned and carved decoration
- Museum number:
W.34-1937
- Gallery location:
On loan
Stools of this kind were called ‘joint’ or ‘joined’ stools, because they are made using mortise and tenon joints. This was a technique used by joiners to link the parts of furniture using a tenon, or pared-down end, which slotted into a mortise, or rectangular hole. It would then be locked in place with wooden pegs. Stools were the most common form of seating. More expensive stools, especially those made for bedchambers, were covered with upholstery which might match the bed hangings.
This example has a wooden seat and is well-made. The legs were shaped by turning on a pole-lathe, after which further decoration was carved. This kind of stool was in general use but would have been particularly useful with ‘draw’ tables, which became popular around 1600. These had extra leaves that could be 'drawn' or pulled out, to increase the size of the table.
