Late 19th Century Orkney Chair by D M Kirkness

Rare late 19th Century hooded Orkney chair.

Of excellent colour and in great condition, fitted with a drawer. By D M Kirkness of Kirkwall.

Kirkness was the most prominent maker of Orkney chairs, starting to make them in the 1850s. According to his trade card, this hooded version with a rush seat and drawer to the base, was his top of the range and most expensive model.

Orkney chairs feature a woven straw back, as wood was at this time a precious commodity on the Scottish islands. Extreme weather conditions meant many trees could not grow.  

These chairs are a great testament to the finest handmade craftsmanship. All done by eye, the woven back is made up of one continuous rope from begining to end- this requires great skill of consistency. 

The hooded feature of this example was a protective measure against the freezing draughts residents would face on Orkney. Orkney chairs became so popular that at the turn of the century they were retailed by Liberty and Co of London.