A Gorgeous Walnut c.1850s Victorian Schoolmaster’s Chair
SOLD
Origin: English
Period: Victorian
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1850
Height: 38.5 inches
Width: 18 inches
Depth: 18 inches
(all at maximum)
The mid Nineteenth century school masters chair of tall proportions crafted in walnut, having one piece turned front elongated legs, the rear sabre legs extended, showing the original black staining paint, now worn through in places, the whole with an exceptional patination and colour.
In desirable original condition, the chair is structurally sound, if a little wobbly to the rear legs, but in entirely un-restored or un-repaired order. The original staining paint has wear commensurate with age and use mainly to the top rail and seat, all of which have seen considerable use and as a result the buttery mellowed patination is of the highest order. The underside reveals some old chewing gum which we thought we’d better leave in situ; its part of its school history after all.
Most schoolmasters would have used the cane for discipline. The Victorian child soon learnt that if he wanted to misbehave he should ensure that he did not get caught. The master was typically a man of stern gravity and goodness, labouring day and night to produce a good and grave generation, men with enough scholarship to give them judgment and enough religion to make them conscientious.
Exceptional colour, shape and form; evocative, stern yet sexy. Yes, this is a chair we are talking about.
Period: Victorian
Provenance: Unknown
Date: c.1850
Height: 38.5 inches
Width: 18 inches
Depth: 18 inches
(all at maximum)
The mid Nineteenth century school masters chair of tall proportions crafted in walnut, having one piece turned front elongated legs, the rear sabre legs extended, showing the original black staining paint, now worn through in places, the whole with an exceptional patination and colour.
In desirable original condition, the chair is structurally sound, if a little wobbly to the rear legs, but in entirely un-restored or un-repaired order. The original staining paint has wear commensurate with age and use mainly to the top rail and seat, all of which have seen considerable use and as a result the buttery mellowed patination is of the highest order. The underside reveals some old chewing gum which we thought we’d better leave in situ; its part of its school history after all.
Most schoolmasters would have used the cane for discipline. The Victorian child soon learnt that if he wanted to misbehave he should ensure that he did not get caught. The master was typically a man of stern gravity and goodness, labouring day and night to produce a good and grave generation, men with enough scholarship to give them judgment and enough religion to make them conscientious.
Exceptional colour, shape and form; evocative, stern yet sexy. Yes, this is a chair we are talking about.