Seating
This collection encompasses the functional and aesthetic evolution of English furniture design. From the structured formality of the dining chair to the architectural comfort of the library armchair and the graceful curves of the Regency sofa, these pieces are defined by the harmony of their silhouettes and the quality of their timber frames. Value and quality are determined by the retention of original carving, the rigidity of the joinery, the quality of period correct upholstery, and the survival of authentic patination across exposed wood surfaces.
Bergère Chair
Definition and Characteristics
An enclosed armchair characterised by upholstered side panels and a tight, supportive back. The frame is typically constructed from high quality timber, often featuring finely carved details around the seat rail and legs. Unlike open arm designs, the bergère provides a cocoon like comfort.
Historical Context
Influenced by French design and popularised in England during the late eighteenth century, the bergère became a preferred choice for the refined drawing room. It represented a shift toward comfort and intimacy in seating, moving away from the more rigid forms of the early Georgian era.
Collectability Note
Examine the frame for stability, particularly where the arm supports meet the seat rail, as these are common stress points. Check that the upholstery webbing has been restored using traditional methods and that the timber has not been subject to over stripping or aggressive refinishing.
Gainsborough Chair
Definition and Characteristics
A large, deep-seated armchair featuring an open frame and padded armrests, often supported by scroll or carved legs. The seat and back are fully upholstered, providing a substantial profile that is both imposing and exceptionally comfortable.
Historical Context
Named after the portrait painter Thomas Gainsborough, who famously featured this style in his paintings of the landed gentry, the chair was a staple of the library and study. It embodied the prestige of the English gentleman scholar.
Collectability Note
The value of a Gainsborough chair is dictated by the quality of the carving on the armrests and legs. Ensure the frame remains tight and that there is no movement in the backrest, which can occur if the internal joinery has been compromised by improper storage or repair.
Dining Chairs
Definition and Characteristics
A set of chairs designed for formal communal dining, typically comprising a series of side chairs and a pair of matching carvers for the heads of the table. Their design prioritises ergonomic support and stylistic consistency with the accompanying dining table.
Historical Context
Dining chairs evolved significantly in style throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, from the solid splats of the Queen Anne period to the intricate shield backs of the Hepplewhite style and the architectural rigour of the Regency.
Collectability Note
When assessing a set, the primary factor is uniformity. Verify that all chairs share the same construction methods and timber quality. Look for evidence of historical repairs to the back splats and ensure the seat frames are structurally sound, as these often require reinforcement over long periods of use.
Armchair
Definition and Characteristics
A versatile chair fitted with side supports for the arms, offering enhanced comfort over standard side chairs. These pieces vary in form, from the light, decorative parlour chair to the heavy, upholstered library chair, serving as an accent piece in any room.
Historical Context
The armchair has always served as a marker of status and comfort. Throughout the eighteenth century, cabinetmakers developed increasingly ergonomic forms to suit the leisure activities of the aristocracy, including reading, sewing, and formal conversation.
Collectability Note
Inspect the arm supports for cracks or signs of re-gluing, as these are subject to frequent pressure. If the chair is upholstered, check the condition of the exposed timber, as wear to the feet and armrests can indicate the intensity of the piece’s historical usage.
Hall Bench
Definition and Characteristics
A long, narrow seating piece designed for the entrance hall, often featuring high backs and solid timber construction. These benches were intended to provide temporary seating for guests or staff, and they often include storage compartments beneath the seat.
Historical Context
The hall bench was an essential element of the country house entrance, reflecting the formality of the domestic hierarchy. They were designed to be both durable and aesthetically imposing, creating an immediate impression of status upon entry.
Collectability Note
Check the seat and back panels for signs of splitting, which can occur due to fluctuating temperatures in draughty hallways. Ensure any internal storage hinges operate correctly and that the overall structure is rigid, as hall furniture was historically subjected to heavy wear.
Sofa
Definition and Characteristics
An elongated seating form designed for communal comfort. Antique sofas vary widely in style, ranging from the structured, high-backed forms of the Georgian period to the sweeping, architectural curves of the Regency and the plush, deep-seated designs of the Victorian era. They are typically defined by their frame construction, which may feature exposed show-wood, carved arms, and a variety of leg styles, from tapered supports to elaborate scrolls.
Historical Context
The sofa emerged as a primary piece of drawing room furniture as social habits shifted toward greater domestic comfort in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Styles evolved in tandem with architectural trends, often mirroring the proportions and ornamentation of the grander homes they were intended to furnish.
Collectability Note
Focus on the stability of the frame, particularly at the joints where the arms and backrest meet the seat rail. Inspect for any evidence of historical structural bracing or later modifications to the leg configuration. While upholstery will often be replaced, the integrity and condition of the original timber frame and any carved or inlaid decorative elements are the primary indicators of value.
Wingback Chair
Definition and Characteristics
A high-backed armchair distinguished by “wings” that extend from the backrest to the armrests, originally designed to shield the sitter from draughts. These chairs typically feature deep seats and are fully upholstered, often supported by exposed timber legs.
Historical Context
The wingback chair gained popularity in the early eighteenth century. While functionally utilitarian in its origin, it quickly became a symbol of comfort and domesticity, specifically in libraries and bedrooms where privacy and warmth were prioritised.
Collectability Note
Examine the integrity of the frame behind the upholstery, as the wing construction creates unique stress points. Ensure the legs are original and have not been shortened, a common practice to alter the height of chairs for later generations.
Settee
Definition and Characteristics
A seating form designed to accommodate two or more people, characterised by a continuous back and armrests. Settees are often more structured and formal than the later, more heavily upholstered sofa, frequently featuring exposed timber frames, fine carving, and distinct decorative back rails.
Historical Context
The settee became a central piece of social furniture in the Georgian period, designed to facilitate conversation. Its form reflects the transition from the rigid seating of earlier eras to a more communal and relaxed domestic experience.
Collectability Note
Look for consistency in the design of the back rail and arm supports, as these are often the most highly decorated components. Because settees are long, inspect the central seat rail for a fifth or sixth “leg,” which was often added to provide necessary structural support against sagging.
Tub Chair
Definition and Characteristics
A compact, rounded armchair where the back and arms form a continuous, curved enclosure. The design is typically low and deep, often featuring a fully upholstered exterior that hides the frame, sometimes supported by short, turned or tapered legs.
Historical Context
The tub chair became a favoured choice during the nineteenth century, particularly in smaller parlours or as accent seating in larger rooms. Its curved profile provided a modern, intimate seating experience that contrasted with the more linear furniture of previous decades.
Collectability Note
Because the frame is often completely concealed by upholstery, focus on the chair’s overall stability and the presence of any movement when weight is applied. Verify that the curves of the frame have not been deformed by poor upholstery practices over time, as the structural shape is essential to its aesthetic value.
