George III Laburnum Armchair in the Manner of Francis Brodie

Country: Scotland

Date: Circa 1780

Medium: Laburnum

Dimensions

Height: 86.36cm (34 inches)

Width: 60.39cm (23.78 inches)

Depth: 60.39cm (23.78 inches)

Main description

This George III laburnum armchair in the manner of Francis Brodie dates to circa 1780 and is constructed in solid laburnum with a shaped top rail, open fret vase shaped back splat and traditionally upholstered drop-in seat.

The shaped top rail is finished with scrolled ears above an open fret vase shaped back splat, which correctly sits into the connecting bracket above the recently re-covered drop-in seat. The seat retains its horsehair upholstery and has been covered in burnt orange coloured velvet fabric.

The arms are constructed in the solid and carved with subtle reeding, complementing the shallow thumbnail edging of the seat frame. Beneath, the laburnum H-stretcher connects the chamfered out-swept rear legs to the solid reeded front legs.

The restrained carving, unusual choice of laburnum and overall design are closely associated with the work of Francis Brodie, a Scottish cabinet maker whose furniture is recognised for its refined use of timber and elegant late eighteenth century forms.

View the complete Freshfords Seating collection.

Who was Francis Brodie? 

Francis Brodie was a pioneering 18th century Scottish cabinet maker, joiner, and glass grinder based in Edinburgh. Operating from his famous workshop at the sign of the Glass Looking in the Lawnmarket from the 1720s onward, Brodie supplied aristocratic clients and country houses such as Dumfries House and Hopetoun House with fine mahogany bookcases, bureau desks, and carved giltwood mirrors. As Deacon of the Wrights, he was a key figure in Scottish decorative arts history, establishing a legacy of exceptional joinery and architectural design.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers encyclopaedia on Francis Brodie.

What is Laburnum? 

Laburnum is a dense European hardwood revered by 17th and 18th century British cabinet makers for its rich chocolate heartwood, pale sapwood, and fine grain structure. Because the small trunk diameter rarely yielded large solid planks, craftsmen sliced the branch wood diagonally into distinctive cross sectioned discs known as oysters to build decorative geometric veneers on William and Mary chests and lace boxes. Renowned for its exceptional strength and natural lustre, laburnum also became the preeminent domestic timber in Scotland, where local wrights turned it into long case clock cases, solid country chairs, and Highland bagpipes.

For further information, see our Woods encyclopaedia on Laburnum.

What Is the George III Period?

The George III period (1760–1820) is widely regarded as one of the finest periods of English furniture making. Influenced by designers such as Thomas Chippendale, George Hepplewhite and Thomas Sheraton, furniture from the period is recognised for its elegant proportions, high quality cabinet making and the widespread use of mahogany, satinwood and other fine timbers.

For further information, see our Antique Furniture Periods encyclopaedia on the Georgian Period.

Why Buy From Freshfords Antiques?

Established in 1987, Freshfords Antiques has spent nearly four decades sourcing and curating the finest examples of English antique furniture. Our reputation is built upon a deep-rooted specialism in the Georgian and Regency periods, where we focus on selecting pieces that retain their genuine age, original patination, and unimpeachable authenticity. We believe that an antique should not only be a significant historical object but also a functional and beautiful addition to a contemporary home.

As proud members of the British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA), we operate under a rigorously enforced code of conduct that prioritises professional integrity and expertise. Membership of BADA is only granted after a thorough election procedure and is subject to annual review, ensuring that our clients can purchase with complete confidence. When you acquire a piece from Freshfords, you are benefiting from a wealth of experience, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a commitment to preserving the heritage of the finest English cabinet making.