38,323  PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 136 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS
GIFTS
136 ITEMS ADDED TODAY
Sort Order
Items Per Page
Browse Categories
Sort order
Relevant Links
Items per page
ID #SA1008247
SOLD
Email Phone
Save
Rare Pair of Portman Slipper Chairs
Sold by William James Antiques
sold SA1008247
Sorry, but this item has been sold.

William James Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2010
Browse dealers 73 items
  • Trade Associations
    William James Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA 
Id #SA1008247
PDF SHARE
SAVE

Rare Pair of Portman Slipper Chairs

1920 - 1940
Sold 7 April 2025 · William James Antiques
This “Rare Pair of Portman Slipper Chairs” found a buyer.

It was listed by William James Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

Description

A rare pair of early 20th century slipper chairs by Portman Upholstery. These beautifully proportioned chairs are identical to Howard & Sons examples. Having a sprung seat with original horse hair, down feather filled back and seat cushions, offering ultimate comfort. Raised on upholstered tapered legs with brass castors. Newly recovered in our exclusive PU monogrammed ticking which we have made and copied from its original cover. Circa 1930

Height: 89 cm - 35 Inches, Width: 53.25 cm - 21 Inches, Depth: 76 cm - 30 Inches

Very little is known about the Portman Upholstery Company other than the superior quality, materials and comfort they offer is only to be rivalled by Howard & Sons.  Both companies were in central London W1.  It is believed they traded from the 1930’s to 1960’s.  Pieces can often be seen in important country houses and stately homes.  A pair of sofas reside in Dustmaston Hall, Shropshire (National Trust). 

Price inclusive of courier delivery within England & Wales

Date of Manufacture

William James Antiques has dated these Portman Slipper Chairs to the 1930s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
89cm (35.04")
Width
53.25cm (20.96")
Depth
76cm (29.92")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1008247
Description
A rare pair of early 20th century slipper chairs by Portman Upholstery. These beautifully proportioned chairs are identical to Howard & Sons examples.
“
Having a sprung seat with original horse hair, down feather filled back and seat cushions, offering ultimate comfort.
William James Antiques

Raised on upholstered tapered legs with brass castors. Newly recovered in our exclusive PU monogrammed ticking which we have made and copied from its original cover. Circa 1930

fig 1. A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs.
fig 1. Rare Pair of Portman Slipper Chairs

Height: 89 cm - 35 Inches, Width: 53.25 cm - 21 Inches, Depth: 76 cm - 30 Inches

Very little is known about the Portman Upholstery Company other than the superior quality, materials and comfort they offer is only to be rivalled by Howard & Sons.  Both companies were in central London W1.  It is believed they traded from the 1930’s to 1960’s.  Pieces can often be seen in important country houses and stately homes.  A pair of sofas reside in Dustmaston Hall, Shropshire (National Trust). 

Price inclusive of courier delivery within England & Wales

Date of Manufacture

William James Antiques has dated these Portman Slipper Chairs to the 1930s.

Height
89cm (35.04")
Width
53.25cm (20.96")
Depth
76cm (29.92")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1008247
William James Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2010
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the William James Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

William James Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA 

PDF SHARE
SAVE
A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 5
Archive I A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Rare Pair of Portman Slipper Chairs

Archive II A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs. View II
Archive III A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs. View III
Archive IV A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs. View IV
Archive V A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01603 736947
Location
Coltishall
Norfolk
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/wja
Verified Since Apr 2010
Items For Sale 73
Items Sold 2,190
William James Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: Coltishall, Norfolk, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Verified
Apr 2010
For Sale
73
Sold
2,190
A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs.
Rare Pair of Portman Slipper Chairs
Ref: SA1008247
A pair of upholstered slipper chairs covered in a green patterned fabric, featuring low seats and castors on the front legs.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSlipper Chairs
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleTraditional English
  • MaterialWood, Fabric, Brass
  • ColourSage Green
  • MotifsLow profile, Armless design, Trellis pattern upholstery, Castor wheels
  • SizeH 89 cm (35 in) x W 53.25 cm (21 in) x D 76 cm (30 in)

Slipper chairs originated in the early 18th century and were traditionally used in ladies dressing rooms or bedrooms to sit while putting on shoes or garments.

Period slipper chairs typically feature a hardwood frame, traditional coil spring or webbing upholstery foundations, horsehair or cotton stuffing, and textile covers.

Authenticity is assessed by examining the timber frame construction, joinery methods, textile wear patterns, upholstery tacks, and the patina of any exposed wood or castors.

They function effectively as accent seating in bedrooms, dressing rooms, or smaller living spaces where their low profile and compact footprint maintain sightlines.

Preservation involves regular gentle vacuuming with a soft brush attachment, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent textile fading, and professional dry cleaning for the fabric.
items
Add keywords to the filter
Price
£100
£250000
Era
Period
Style
Material
Origin
Stock Location
Recently Added
Online Payments
Categories