Museum number
F221.2
Object
Chair, Irish, mahogany, about 1740
Description
Side chair, one of a set. Mahogany, probably Irish c. 1730.The chair with carved back composed of plain tapering uprights spreading out at the top to join shaped bowed cresting rail, the central splat carved and pierced, with narrow crossed straight sections in the centre, stepped base fitted to simple seat rail with small pendant carving at centre front, drop in seat upholstered in new woven horsehair, the front legs of serpentine shape, carved at the knee, simply carved trifid feet, raked back legs.
Inscription
None
On display?
Yes
Simple name
Furniture
Subject
Decorative
Dimensions
regular: 61.0cm (h) x 44.0cm (l) x 99.7cm (w)
Set of four chairs Irish Mahogany, about 1740 F221.1-4 Bequest of Sir Hector Duff, 1954 Known as parlour chairs in the eighteenth century these were for a dining or eating parlour. When not in use, they would be placed against the walls where their decorative splats and front legs would be visible. The backs were simply finished, with little expense, as they would not be seen except by servants who waited at the table.

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