Gothic Revival oak side chair with upholstered seat and back.
Identifier
FPF461
Title
Gothic Revival oak side chair with upholstered seat and back.
Date
Designed 1845-1846, made 1850-60
Description
Gothic Revival oak side chair with upholstered seat and back, after a design by A.W.N. Pugin and made by Gillow.
Full Description
This oak side chair in the Gothic Revival style has a rectangular upholstered back with a hand-hold in the rear face, and chamfered back posts, which are continuous with straight back legs and terminate in flared and curved heels. The stuff-over seat is raised on chamfered legs at the front with brass castors fitted within the legs. The legs are joined by chamfered stretchers with squared blocks at the joints. There is green upholstery visible under the present cover, which is a replacement. The covers to the seat and back are nailed with domed brass nails. The chair is stamped ‘GILLOWS LANCASTER’ under the seat rail.
This chair is derived from a design by A.W.N. Pugin (1812-52) for chairs for the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster, based on 17th-century oak backstools (see FPF413 and FPF414, for example). A copy of Pugin’s design, c. 1845-46, was contained in a letter from him to the interior decorator, J.G. Crace, in which he describes these chairs: ‘Mr. Barry [Charles Barry, architect (1795-1860), instrumental in the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster] wants a Pattern Chair made for the Commons lobbies. His idea is a light but strong chamfered chair like the above sketch covered with green leather, and [sketch of portcullis] stamped on the back. Will you get up one of them to Mr. Barry to see forthwith. Of course the nails must show [sketch of standard large dome-headed nail used on all the chairs in the building].’ (Victoria & Albert Museum, E.1501-1912).
In 1851 Gillow & Co. was awarded the tender to make furniture for the House of Commons and the same model was also made for other, later commissions; for example, the Victoria & Albert Museum has a set of six stamped by Gillows, probably supplied as office furniture in the 19th century (W.26-1974).
See also FPF460 for a Pugin chair made by Holland & Sons.
This chair is derived from a design by A.W.N. Pugin (1812-52) for chairs for the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster, based on 17th-century oak backstools (see FPF413 and FPF414, for example). A copy of Pugin’s design, c. 1845-46, was contained in a letter from him to the interior decorator, J.G. Crace, in which he describes these chairs: ‘Mr. Barry [Charles Barry, architect (1795-1860), instrumental in the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster] wants a Pattern Chair made for the Commons lobbies. His idea is a light but strong chamfered chair like the above sketch covered with green leather, and [sketch of portcullis] stamped on the back. Will you get up one of them to Mr. Barry to see forthwith. Of course the nails must show [sketch of standard large dome-headed nail used on all the chairs in the building].’ (Victoria & Albert Museum, E.1501-1912).
In 1851 Gillow & Co. was awarded the tender to make furniture for the House of Commons and the same model was also made for other, later commissions; for example, the Victoria & Albert Museum has a set of six stamped by Gillows, probably supplied as office furniture in the 19th century (W.26-1974).
See also FPF460 for a Pugin chair made by Holland & Sons.
Condition
In good condition, upholstery replaced.
Materials
Oak.
Upholstery.
Upholstery.
Physical Dimensions
H. 91
W. 48
D. 51
W. 48
D. 51
Marks
Mark: ‘GILLOWS LANCASTER’ stamped under front seat rail.
Provenance
Purchased by the Frederick Parker Foundation in September 2007 for £350.
