Chair
1755-1775 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This ladderback chair, one of a set of six, might have been used in a parlour - a family living room that was also used for dining. The seat is upholstered in leather tufted with wool, which appears to be original. Leather was particularly favoured for dining rooms, as it was easy to clean and did not absorb food smells.
The ladderback chair was originally made in the country, typically for cottages and farmhouses. It was usually made of British woods such as beech and ash. This pattern with a 'wavy-line' ladderback is similar to examples made in Lancashire. The type was imitated, and refined, in London workshops, as in this example. The London origin of this particular chair is revealed by the use of mahogany, the fine detailing of the top corners and back feet, and the square- rather than round-section legs and stretchers.
The ladderback chair was originally made in the country, typically for cottages and farmhouses. It was usually made of British woods such as beech and ash. This pattern with a 'wavy-line' ladderback is similar to examples made in Lancashire. The type was imitated, and refined, in London workshops, as in this example. The London origin of this particular chair is revealed by the use of mahogany, the fine detailing of the top corners and back feet, and the square- rather than round-section legs and stretchers.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Mahogany carved; leather upholstery |
Brief description | English, mahogany, ca 1770, ladder-back, one of six (W.50-55-1981). RF: 56/641. Seat upholstered in leather. |
Physical description | Mahogany ladder back with curvilinear solid top rail which terminates in simple scrolls. There are three solid splats of identical design to the top rail, without the terminal scrolls. The legs are square and plain and the back legs curve outwards. There are plain cross rails at the back and middle. The seats are straight edged with an exposed back rail. The seats are covered in green leather which is double nailed. The seat is tufted; 3 of 5 tufts are missing. |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Bequeathed by Capt. Collingwood Ingram |
Object history | Bequeathed by Captain Collingwood Ingram. No prior history known. |
Summary | This ladderback chair, one of a set of six, might have been used in a parlour - a family living room that was also used for dining. The seat is upholstered in leather tufted with wool, which appears to be original. Leather was particularly favoured for dining rooms, as it was easy to clean and did not absorb food smells. The ladderback chair was originally made in the country, typically for cottages and farmhouses. It was usually made of British woods such as beech and ash. This pattern with a 'wavy-line' ladderback is similar to examples made in Lancashire. The type was imitated, and refined, in London workshops, as in this example. The London origin of this particular chair is revealed by the use of mahogany, the fine detailing of the top corners and back feet, and the square- rather than round-section legs and stretchers. |
Associated objects | |
Collection | |
Accession number | W.53-1981 |
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Record created | November 25, 2002 |
Record URL |
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