Hall and Porters Chairs
CHAIRS — hall and porters
Though grouped for convenience they are in fact complete opposites. The hall chair offers a rock-like resistance to the posterior and the back no comfort. It is almost as though they were designed to impress on those made to wait, the fact they were being made to do so. They were made in sets and were often carved with emblems of coats of arms as if to further enhance the superior position of their owner. The porter’s chair on the other hand was made reasonably comfortable to protect him from the rigours of a job which condemned him to draughts, and if comfortable are very desirable.
Back patterns are normally little guide to date as they continued to be made over long periods. It is the legs which normally provide the key as to age.
Understandably the uncomfortable ones do not command large sums for they have a very limited application to the modern home.
A hall chair of a type usually made in sets — this was one of seventeen. This example shows a highly-carved shell back with a crest motif. The pascal lamb with halo might suggest a religious establishment. The legs
are turned and reeded. 1820-1840
A mahogany hall chair of whimsical design with a pierced back. The design for the base and seat with its curious round dished centre and eccentric stretcher is straight out of Bridgen’s catalogue of 1838.
Typical of the many curved back designs which went on being made throughout the century. The hexagonal legs suggest the 1830s.
A rather unfair porter’s chair with an extremely hard solid seat,on cabriole legs, in mahogany.
1850-1870
Much more comfort; a deeply buttoned hall porter’s chair, well designed to exclude those severe draughts. As the cost of deep buttoning in leather is very high, condition is highly relevant to price. A modern example
costs 800. Mid-18th century
A design of wicker work hooded chair, Welsh ash frame with straw cover. They were made in most areas but survived longest in Monmouthshire and the Severn area. Early 19th century
Tags: 18th century, cabriole, cabriole legs, chair, CHAIRS, example, hall porter, mahogany