A handsome pair of late Victorian open armchairs, dating to around 1890–1910. Constructed in oak, with a ladder back, turned legs and replacement leather effect upholstery.
Each chair has a tall, restrained ladder back formed from three horizontal rails, giving the pair a particularly pleasing architectural simplicity. The gently curved open arms sweep forward to broad rounded hand rests and are supported on finely turned uprights, continuing into substantial turned front legs. Square rear legs and stretchered bases give the chairs a strong, well-balanced appearance while also adding to their practical construction
The timber has a warm, well-established surface with visible grain, subtle variations in tone and the minor marks and rubbing expected from furniture that has been used for well over a century. Rather than appearing overly restored, the pair retain the sort of mellow character that works particularly well alongside both antique and more contemporary interiors.
Both chairs currently have deep red upholstered seat pads, which appear to be later replacements. The red provides a strong contrast against the dark timber and remains perfectly usable, although the seats show some age and wear and could easily be recovered in another fabric should the new owner prefer.
Their relatively simple design makes these a particularly versatile pair. They would work well as fireside chairs, occasional seating in a sitting room or bedroom, at either end of a dining table, or positioned separately within an interior while still retaining the visual connection of a matched pair.
A useful and characterful pair of period armchairs with attractive proportions, substantial construction and an understated decorative quality
We aim to describe and photograph all items as accurately as possible. As many of our pieces are antique, vintage or pre-owned, signs of age, previous use, marks, repairs and other age-related characteristics may be present.
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We make every effort to keep website availability up to date. However, on rare occasions an item may sell in store shortly before an online order is completed. If this happens, we will contact you as soon as possible and refund any payment made.
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One-Off Stock
Due to the nature of antique and vintage stock, once an item has been sold we may not be able to source another identical example.