A Good Quality Early 20thC Arts & Crafts Period High-Back Oak & Wicker Upholstered Open Armchair c.1900-15

SOLD
Origin: English
Period: Edwardian
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1900-1915
Height: 43” or 13” at seat
Width: 24.5” at arms
Depth: 22.5”

The well-made arts and crafts period open armchair crafted in English oak, having a high and unusual three tapering concave scalloped sectional splat, the back and seat being wicker upholstered, the slender golden oak frame with outswept arms to chamfered legs, the whole surviving from the first quarter of twentieth century England.

The chair has a good rich patina to its carcass and remains in nice original order, standing well, with some expected slight movement, and is overall in very good condition. There are no losses or damages and it can be used daily. There is a little sagging to the wicker seat.

Indicative of the arts and crafts period, which held as tenets an appreciation of nature, inspired by traditional, “honest” pre-industrial periods such as mediaeval and Celtic, the design here is simplicity personified, though the back is unusual with the three tapering sections, giving it fluidity to the long high back.

The chair’s design is reminiscent of both Arts and Crafts pioneers William Morris and Charles Rennie Mackintosh in its influences; with its high elongated back, and to the outswept flared arms with the obvious chamfering on the legs all referring to a high level of craftsmanship. There are only two materials used and they are both of high quality.

An unusual yet somehow still understated, handsome and well-crafted armchair that would suit a light room and a good book.
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