A wonderful mid 18th century Elm & Yew Gothic Windsor Armchair

A wonderful mid 18th century Elm & Yew Gothic Windsor Armchair.

English Circa. 1760

The pointed arch-shaped back and openwork splats displaying Gothic tracery, these chairs beautifully reflect the Gothic taste which became fashionable in England in the middle of the 18th century.

Eighteenth century chairs, with Gothic shaped backs and pierced splats are often considered to represent the pinnacle of Windsor chair design, as fashionable items of furniture made in the first half of the 18th century and into the second half.

Chairs of this type owe much to the Gothic revival in architecture and furniture which took place in the second quarter of the 18th century. This style was famously reflected in the home of Horace Walpole (1717 - 1797), who purchased a house at Strawberry Hill, London, and converted it into a cottage with Gothic tracery windows, which has become synonymous with this style of seating.

The chairs made in London typically display a finesse and elegance which makes them as desirable today as they were originally. This chair is similarly well made and powerfully attractive in appearance, made largely in Yew (a wood reserved for Windsor 'Best' chairs) and gracefully shaped Elm seat.

Literature;

Bonhams, The Oak Interior. 30th September 2015. Lot 185

Bonhams, The Oak Interior. 3rd June 2014 Lot 501

Metropolitan Museum, New York. Accession

Number: 2016.234

Price £6850

Windsor Chairs, Michael Harding-Hill, Front cover & page 22