Backstool, c.1620–40
Oak, now with 19th-century velvet
The bottom rail is branded ‘AR’. The chair was formerly in the collection of the early oak specialist Victor Chinnery (1944–2011).
Victor Chinnery Catalogue
Description
An oak upholstered backstool, the rectangular upstanding back above a rectangular seat raised on column-turned front legs united by moulded stretchers, the legs extended to form turned front feet; the back and seat now covered with old rose silk velvet and trimmed with old green fringe secured by patinated brass nails. The upper frame branded AR.
Dimensions
Ht: 39½in. W: 17in. D: 17in.
Condition
The frame generally very good, with light patination. Later upholstered and covered. Oak board beneath seat is a replacement.
Comments
This chair is a rare early upholstered backstool, characterised by the extreme height of the seat and the early form of the turning. Similar chairs may be seen in portraits of the period. Most surviving examples of upholstered backstools date from the second half of the 17th century or later.
Palladian
Provenance & References
Ex-coll. Sir Harold Peto, Iford Manor, Wiltshire.
Ex-coll. Victor & Janet Chinnery.
Purchased from Victor & Janet Chinnery, 21 April 2001.