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Early 20th Century Portman Armchair
Sold by William James Antiques
sold SA1095714
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 #SA1095714
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Early 20th Century Portman Armchair

1920 - 1940
Sold 1 August 2025 · William James Antiques
This “Early 20th Century Portman Armchair” 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

An early 20th century armchair by Portman Upholstery. Having beautiful shaped sides like those of a Howard & Sons Bridgewater armchair. Having a sprung seat with original horse hair, down feather filled back and seat cushions, offering ultimate comfort. The whole raised on upholstered tapered legs with brass castors. Newly recovered in our exclusive PU monogramed ticking which we have made and copied from its original cover.

Height: 81.25 cm - 32 Inches, Width: 76.25 cm - 30 Inches, Depth: 96.5 cm - 38 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 this Early Twentieth Century Armchair to the 1930s.

Physical Dimensions
Height
81.2cm (31.97")
Width
76.2cm (30.00")
Depth
96.5cm (37.99")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1095714
Description
An early 20th century armchair by Portman Upholstery. Having beautiful shaped sides like those of a Howard & Sons Bridgewater armchair.
“
Having a sprung seat with original horse hair, down feather filled back and seat cushions, offering ultimate comfort.
William James Antiques

The whole raised on upholstered tapered legs with brass castors. Newly recovered in our exclusive PU monogramed ticking which we have made and copied from its original cover.

fig 1. An early twentieth century upholstered armchair in a sage green patterned fabric with castors on the front legs.
fig 1. Early 20th Century Portman Armchair

Height: 81.25 cm - 32 Inches, Width: 76.25 cm - 30 Inches, Depth: 96.5 cm - 38 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 this Early Twentieth Century Armchair to the 1930s.

Height
81.2cm (31.97")
Width
76.2cm (30.00")
Depth
96.5cm (37.99")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1095714
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 

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An early twentieth century upholstered armchair in a sage green patterned fabric with castors on the front legs. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 4
Archive I An early twentieth century upholstered armchair in a sage green patterned fabric with castors on the front legs. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

Early 20th Century Portman Armchair

Archive II An early twentieth century upholstered armchair in a sage green patterned fabric with castors on the front legs. View II
Archive III An early twentieth century upholstered armchair in a sage green patterned fabric with castors on the front legs. View III
Archive IV An early twentieth century upholstered armchair in a sage green patterned fabric with castors on the front legs. View IV
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
An early twentieth century upholstered armchair in a sage green patterned fabric with castors on the front legs.
Early 20th Century Portman Armchair
Ref: SA1095714
An early twentieth century upholstered armchair in a sage green patterned fabric with castors on the front legs.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Archival Detail
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectArmchairs
  • Period1920 - 1940
  • StyleTraditional English
  • MaterialWood, Fabric, Brass
  • ColourSage Green
  • MotifsUpholstered backrest, Scroll arms, Loose seat cushion, Castor wheels
  • SizeH 81.2 cm (32 in) x W 76.2 cm (30 in) x D 96.5 cm (38 in)

Early twentieth century armchairs typically feature deep, comfortable proportions, sprung seats, and traditional upholstery techniques designed for relaxation, often drawing inspiration from earlier Georgian and Victorian forms.

Authentic period armchairs are built with sturdy hardwood frames, traditional coil spring suspension systems, horsehair or wool stuffing, and hand-stitched upholstery secured with piping and finished on castors.

Authentication relies on examining the frame construction joints, hand-tied coil springs, period-appropriate textile weaves, and signs of genuine wear and oxidisation on the timber components and metal castors.

Pairing a patterned period armchair with minimalist contemporary furniture creates a balanced, layered aesthetic that highlights the historical craftsmanship while maintaining a fresh, uncluttered living space.

Preservation requires regular gentle vacuuming with a soft brush attachment, professional dry cleaning for delicate textiles, keeping the piece away from direct sunlight to prevent fading, and conditioning exposed wooden elements.
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