Beech side chair with drop-in seat.
Identifier
FPF070
Title
Beech side chair with drop-in seat.
Date
1720-1730
Description
Beech side chair with vase-shaped splat and drop-in seat.
Full Description
This beech side chair is stained to simulate walnut. It has a tall narrow curved back with a shaped crest rail with rounded corners above a solid baluster-shaped splat fitted into a ‘shoe’ at the rear of the seat. The chair has a tapered drop-in seat with a moulded seat rail cut away for lightness and rounded at the front corners. It is raised on cabriole legs with pad feet at the front and turned back legs with squared blocks at the joints and heels. The H-form turned stretchers have squared blocks at the joints and the cross stretcher is set towards the front of the chair. There is a higher rear stretcher. The drop-in seat has a replaced frame, with re-used horsehair stuffing and hessian, and is covered with a 20th century green fabric, now faded.
Chairs with a curved back such as this were referred to as ‘India back’ or ‘bended back’ chairs, since the bent form was influenced by Chinese chairs; trade with China was carried out by the East India Company and the term ‘India’ was used to describe almost any connection with the Far East. The use of beech for this chair suggests it was originally japanned, or ebonised, which was a common finish for less expensive chairs than those made of walnut. It seems likely the black stain and varnish used for japanning has been stripped off and the chair has then been stained to resemble walnut. The chair is similar to others in the Frederick Parker Collection, including FPF045, with a rush seat, and FPF059.
Chairs with a curved back such as this were referred to as ‘India back’ or ‘bended back’ chairs, since the bent form was influenced by Chinese chairs; trade with China was carried out by the East India Company and the term ‘India’ was used to describe almost any connection with the Far East. The use of beech for this chair suggests it was originally japanned, or ebonised, which was a common finish for less expensive chairs than those made of walnut. It seems likely the black stain and varnish used for japanning has been stripped off and the chair has then been stained to resemble walnut. The chair is similar to others in the Frederick Parker Collection, including FPF045, with a rush seat, and FPF059.
Condition
The chair is in poor condition, with extensive woodworm damage, and has been stained dark brown.
Front seat rail replaced.
Both front leg ear brackets damaged.
Both front feet replaced.
Repair to shoe.
Repair to right back post.
Drop-in seat replaced and recovered.
Front seat rail replaced.
Both front leg ear brackets damaged.
Both front feet replaced.
Repair to shoe.
Repair to right back post.
Drop-in seat replaced and recovered.
Materials
Beech.
Upholstery.
Upholstery.
Physical Dimensions
H. 102
W. 54
D. 51
W. 54
D. 51
Parker Numbers
5973
Provenance
Purchased by Frederick Parker & Sons on 17th December 1920 for £2 12s 6d.
Notes
For details of similar chairs see: Adam Bowett, Early Georgian Furniture 1715-1740, Antique Collectors' Club, 2009, pp. 163-165.
