19th Century Reading Chair attributed to Gillows

Superior quality 19th Century reading chair. 

This chair is attributed to Gillows, one of the most prolific cabinet-making firms in Victorian England. 

It rests on the most stunning turned walnut legs, which terminate on original Cope & Collinson brass castors. 

This unusual chair type, with its curved yoke back, has long been a curiosity for furniture historians. 

Some have argued that it was invented in the 18th Century as a cock-fighting chair for spectators of the chaotic sport. 

However, original sketches by Gillows for chairs of this type label it a reading chair. The high shaped armrests were intended to support one's elbows whilst holding a book. 

Indeed, this use is corroborated by cabinet-maker Sheraton. In The Cabinet Directory (1803) he says the reading chair was 'intended to make the exercise of reading easy, and for the convenience of taking down a note or quotation on any subject.' 

This is a particularly lovely and comfortable example, with a wider curved back than many similar examples. 

It has been reupholstered in a buttoned calico fabric across the back and hessian to the seat. 

Seat pad to floor: 45cm