Gothic Revival Aesthetic Period Oak Armchair Attributed to Charles Bevan

A striking Gothic Revival oak armchair attributed to Charles Bevan and dating to c. 1870. The back with canted angles, carved and ebonised dog tooth carvings to the arch and circular piercing to the corners, the lower rail with a line of larger pierced circles, the armrests terminating in well carved scrolls and uprights above a cover-over seat raised on an unusual geometric style leg design with further further dog tooth carvings and with through tenon details, the ends of which with carved shaped ends. This is a very distinctive and stylish chair with a similar feel to Charles Bevan's registered reclining chair made under licence by Marsh, Jones and Cribb.

In good original condition, some wear to the back edges of the finials, the arms and feet with some fading and loss of polish from use. Comfortable soft seat recovered over at some point with a tasteful tapestry effect material. A good example of original Aesthetic/Arts & Crafts design and craftsmanship.

More photos available on request

Size at the largest points (approximately)

22.75in wide x 20.5in deep x 38.5in high

(58cm wide x 52cm deep x 98cm high)

Seat - 19in wide between arms x 16.5in deep x 20.5in high

(48cm wide x 42cm deep x 52cm high)

Ref: 0737

Note:

Charles Bevan was an influential British designer during the late 19th century, primarily active in the 1860s and 1870s. He was associated with the Aesthetic Movement and the Gothic Revival style and his work was undeniably influenced by the renowned architect and furniture designer, John Pollard Seddon, who it is suspected he trained under, with strong similarities found in Bevan's geometric decorations and designs.

His skill as a woodcarver and cabinetmaker are documented in catalogues and periodicals of the time and are also displayed in collections at the V&A in London. His collaborated with some of the best furniture manufactures of the period, including Gillows, Holland & Sons, J.P. Seddon, and Marsh & Jones of Leeds - later known as Marsh, Jones & Cribb. During his time established at 66 Margaret Street, the London showrooms of Marsh & Jones of Leeds, Marsh & Jones were the exclusive manufacturers of Bevan’s ‘Registered’ reclining chair, as confirmed by an advertisement in The Building News of August 1865. 

Bevan’s work with Marsh & Jones also led to a commission for an extensive collection of pieces for the home of Sir Titus Salt, a Yorkshire-based mill owner. This collection, which includes an elaborate Medieval-style bedroom suite and a marquetry grand piano, is currently housed in Leeds City Art Galleries, Temple Newsam House, preserving much of Bevan's work from the years 1865-72. In 1867, at the Paris Exposition, Bevan presented a commission for James Lamb of Manchester, featuring a bookcase, alongside his design companion Bruce Talbert. He became a familiar name in the London International Exhibitions, appearing three consecutive years from 1871-73.

When buying it is important appreciate antiques have long histories of daily use and as such, over time they gain minor scratches, marks, knocks, shrinkage splits, signs of old woodworm, lifts and losses to veneer, which combine with care and years of polishing to create an individual character and patina. We describe the main flaws and those that fall outside of this bracket but cannot describe each marks separately and therefore suggest you do take the time to request extra photos. We do offer a 14 day money back guarantee if you are unhappy with your purchase but cannot refund the return shipping cost. If you are not sure please do not buy without clarifying or take the view that the only way to have it as near to new as possible is to have it fully and comprehensively restored.

For delivery we use a small carrier experience in carrying antique furniture. Delivery is usually within 31 days and the carrier will make arrangements with you directly. We can provide contact details of other carriers if required.