Backstool (side chair)

Dateca. 1715

MediumWalnut and beech

DimensionsOH: 38 3/4"; OW: (at front knees): 22 3/4-23"; OD: (front foot to back foot):26-26 1/2".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-813

DescriptionSide chair, backstool. Backs and seats upholstered; tops straight; straight sided; square seats. Back and front legs cabriole; front legs with shell carving at knees, pad-on-wafer feet. Back legs uncarved; end in pad feet. Chairs covered with English tapestry, floral pattern, first half eighteenth century. Covering not original to chairs. Ground is reddish brown; flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, beige, and some blue. Foliage (leaves, stems, etc.) in light and dark green.Inscription(s)Initials "J" or "T" (probably T) followed by "M" are written on inner side of the back seat rail.Mark(s)Glued on the inside of # 815 is printed label: "Phillips of Hitchin."ProvenanceThe chairs are said to be "one of the set of four walnut chairs with the original tapestry coverings illustrated in several authorities when at Glenham Hall . . ." (letter from source to Mr. Graham 24 October 1960). In 1905 the set was owned by Hon. Charlotte Maria Lady North and R. Eden Dickson, Esq., presumably the occupants of Glenham.(See McQuoid, IBID.) At a later date (probably late 1950s), the chairs passed through the hands of Phillips of Hutchin. Known as part of the Glenham Hall suite.