Childhood Memories
There is something uniquely personal about primitive stick chairs. They have an individuality and character about them, that more sophisticated furniture often doesn't share.
Maybe it’s their elemental quality, the unpretentious “form and function” aesthetic, along with interesting surface textures and patination, that bear witness to their working lives and individual histories.
Fashioned from indigenous timbers and made by vernacular craftsmen, they were built for regular use, so they were solid, reliable, and functional. These features, along with their bold simplicity and appealing economic lines, are the qualities we continue to celebrate.
Examples of children’s primitive stick-back chairs are unusual and the memorable ones tend to echo the form and character of contemporary full-grown “adult” chairs, as in this case.
The present example is a rare survivor. A miniature version of a classic full-sized West-Country model, with a plain crest rail and the shaped flat section arms, through which the outside spindles are socketed on both sides. Originally made with four legs, at some time in its early life it was converted to a three-legged model, so it could stand safely on uneven surfaces.
Gloriously timeworn after nearly 250 years, its whimsical wonky character lives on, ready to inspire joyful memories for yet another family.
Maybe it’s their elemental quality, the unpretentious “form and function” aesthetic, along with interesting surface textures and patination, that bear witness to their working lives and individual histories.
Fashioned from indigenous timbers and made by vernacular craftsmen, they were built for regular use, so they were solid, reliable, and functional. These features, along with their bold simplicity and appealing economic lines, are the qualities we continue to celebrate.
Examples of children’s primitive stick-back chairs are unusual and the memorable ones tend to echo the form and character of contemporary full-grown “adult” chairs, as in this case.
The present example is a rare survivor. A miniature version of a classic full-sized West-Country model, with a plain crest rail and the shaped flat section arms, through which the outside spindles are socketed on both sides. Originally made with four legs, at some time in its early life it was converted to a three-legged model, so it could stand safely on uneven surfaces.
Gloriously timeworn after nearly 250 years, its whimsical wonky character lives on, ready to inspire joyful memories for yet another family.
Also in Journal
Christmas Advent...
Starting this Thursday 1st December and on every subsequent day of the month, at 12.00 midday, until Christmas Day, the image of a new object will be revealed along with the date.
Tiddlers and Whoppers Exhibition Catalogue
A BADA Week Exhibition
"Most of the world is covered by water. A fisherman's job is simple: Pick out the best parts." Charles W Waterman
Bow -10-29 October 2022
Artist's Preview at Robert Young Antiques Tue 11th October 6-8pm
Luke Burton presents 'Bow', the latest exhibition in the Contemporary Collaborations series, which sees artists respond to works from the Robert Young Antiques collection. In a display curated by Jessica Shiel, Burton will be creating new vitreous enamel works, exploring the symbolism found within embroidered ship portraits, created by sailors during their time away from sea.
