Chair, one of a pair

Museum number

F12

Object

Chair, one of a pair

Description

Side chair, one of a pair, of mahogany with upholstered seat, probably c. 1880-1900 in the style of Thomas Chippendale. Of standard size, the back elaborately carved in openwork pattern of interlacing ribbons in the central splat and over the bowed cresting rail, the side uprights of solid mahogany with relief carving of leaves and flowers and scrolling leaves at top corners at the junction with cresting rail, the seat frame covered in upholstery with lower secction of seat rail exposed and carved in relief with scrolling acanthus leaves, the front legs of cabriole or serpentine form carved with acanthus and cabochon decoration on the knees, terminating in claw-and-ball feet, the back legs plain. The seat covered in owrn, faded damask.The design for the chair is taken from Thomas Chippendale, the Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director, 1st Edition, 1754, Plate XVI and 3rd Edition, 1762, Plate XV. Note the comment in Chippendale's text for 3rd Edition, on the design for "Ribband Back Chairs... which, if I may speak without vanity, are the best I have ever seen (or perhaps have ever been made)."When acquired by the Museum as a gift from Miss Hope in 1918, the chairs were thought to be c. 1755. However more recent opinion suggests they may be of late 19th century date when there was a considerable revival of the Chippendale style in furniture and interior decoration. Many chairs were made at this time, following original 18th century designs such as Chippendale's, but often with over-elaborate decoration as is demonstrated on these chairs.One of a pair of mahogany ribband-back chairs, cabriole legs. (Seats recovered 1929, and again 1973.)Originally dated circa 1755. Most likely to be 19th century. (Lisa White) Later note: Possibly early 20th century. Worth displaying to make an historical point. FAKE.

Materials

Mahogany

Inscription

None

On display?

No

Further description

Simple name

Furniture

Subject

Decorative

Dimensions

framed: 96.3000cm (h) x 58.7000cm (l)