SOLD
Origin: English
Period: Mid 20thC
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1960
Height: 32” or 17” at seat
Width: 57” or 84” dropped
Depth: 31”

The two-seater vintage faded leather knole sofa or settee, of compact size, upholstered in hobnail studded brown leather, the cushion colours nicely worn to a lighter shade, with brass finial attachments to brass covered shepherd castors, the whole surviving from mid-century England.

In good sturdy order, the leathers colour varies with much of it faded to a much lighter colour. We have patched one tear to one of the seat cushions. It remains stable and now without any rips or tears. Two of the brass finials are a little wonky, with the hinged sides working as they should.

The Knole sofa, with its hinged sides tied to finials by fabric cords is a historic piece of furniture said to have been the blueprint for every sofa made since it first appeared in the 17th century in a country house in Kent.

The original Knole sofa is thought to have been made around 1640. Regarded as the distant ancestor to the modern sofa, the Knole had a more regal purpose: as a double throne chair in which a king and queen could sit beside each other, perhaps while entertaining important guests. It is widely accepted that the Knole sofa was acquired by the Sackville family as a result of Charles Sackville’s role as Lord Chamberlain and Masters of the Great Wardrobe in the royal court of King William and Queen Mary. His position meant he could remove any furniture thought to be outdated. As such, Knole became home to much of the Stuart furniture from Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace.

A compact, comfortable and attractive sofa, perfect for a snug or office space.
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