Late 18th Century English Oak Corner Chair

An Interesting Late 18th Century English Oak Corner Chair.

Designed in such a way that they could be tucked away in to a corner when not in use, the corner chair is one of the rarer examples of Georgian furniture. This particular example has the double splat back one would expect to see on a corner chair of this date but also a further tier with an additional splat.

The mixture of decorative motifs on this chair is fascinating. The front rails employ blind fretwork in the chinoiserie style, popularised by the likes of Sir William Chambers and, in cabinetmaking terms, by Chippendale’s Director and other rococo pattern books. The back splats are all of relatively typical country Chippendale design as well but the carving on the central back rail (the head rail on a chair of normal height) employs the half-round fan paterea which was popularised by the likes of Robert Adam. The legs employ a variety of different mouldings and even the stretchers have been shaped – a sign of quality.

A fine chair with a real presence that would act as a focal point in any interior.