What is the history of the Sussex chair design?

Sussex chairs were adapted from traditional country seating found in Sussex and were popularised in the late nineteenth century by Morris & Co. The lightweight, accessible design became a staple of the Arts and Crafts movement.

What materials were traditionally used to construct Sussex chairs?

These chairs were typically constructed using turned beech or ash wood with an ebonised or stained finish, paired with hand-woven natural rush seats.

How can authentic 19th-century Sussex chairs be identified?

Authentic period examples display turned spindle details, traditional mortise and tenon joinery, subtle variations in sizing for matched pairs, and natural surface wear to the ebonised coating revealing the underlying timber.

How can ebonised armchairs be styled in a modern interior?

Ebonised armchairs provide a strong graphic silhouette that contrasts well against neutral backdrops, making them suitable framing pieces for hallways, alcoves, or living room hearths.

How should ebonised wood and rush seating be maintained?

Keep the wood dusted using a dry microfibre cloth and avoid harsh chemical cleaners that may strip the finish. To keep the woven rush suppler, lightly mist with clean water on occasion to prevent drying.

for sale €2,867 $3,112

£2,450

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Rare & Unusual Pair of Late 19th Century ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ Ebonised Sussex Armchairs Attributed to Morris & Co.

Name: Rare & Unusual Pair of Late 19th Century ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ Ebonised Sussex Armchairs Attributed to Morris & Co.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1213420
Price: 2450 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A rare pair of late 19th century ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ ebonised Sussex armchairs of unusual design attributed to Morris & Co.

This pair of ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ armchairs would have been made especially for a couple to use in their home as the sizes slightly differ, also the design of these armchairs is more refined than the usual Sussex chair, these having more spindles on the back, spindles under the arms and outswept tapered legs to both the front and back of the chairs.

This pair of armchairs each consist of a shaped top rail, the back having seven turned spindles with turned uprights to either side.

The arms and turned arm supports are fixed through the seat rail, this being a design only found on the Sussex chair, the arms also with seven turned spindles which is an unusual design, leading down to rush seats both in very good condition.

The armchairs are supported by turned tapered outswept legs to the front which an unusal design joined by a turned stretcher and outswept legs to the back joined with turned stretchers.

The Sussex chair, originally designed by Phillip Webb, was introduced by Morris & Co (William Morris) around 1864 remaining popular for many years and was still being produced, still featuring in their catalogue of 1911.

The Sussex chair was based on a country chair of similar design found in the county of Sussex, it brought a refreshing style to furniture as it was of simple structure, mainly made from beech and often stained in black or 'ebonised' with a rush seat and ideal for the smaller property.

William Morris used the Sussex chairs in his own houses as did his great friend, the artist Edward Burne-Jones.

The Sussex chair also influenced other top designers of the time such as Liberty & Heals who produced their own versions such as the 'Argyll' range at Liberty & Co.

This pair of armchairs are in very good condition for age, are of stable construction and can go straight into a home.

Size – ‘His’ armchair:

Height: 37'' / 94cm

Width: 21.5'' / 54.5cm

Depth: 22'' / 56cm

Seat height: 17'' / 43cm

Sizes – ‘Hers’ armchair:

Height: 35.75’’ / 90.75cm

Width: 20’’ / 50.75cm

Depth: 21’’ / 53.25cm

Seat height: 16.5’’ / 42cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

94cm (37.01")

Width

54.5cm (21.46")

Depth

56cm (22.05")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated these Ebonised Sussex Armchairs to the 1890s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1213420

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1481

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A rare pair of late 19th century ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ ebonised Sussex armchairs of unusual design attributed to Morris & Co.

This pair of ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ armchairs would have been made especially for a couple to use in their home as the sizes slightly differ, also the design of these armchairs is more refined than the usual Sussex chair, these having more spindles on the back, spindles under the arms and outswept tapered legs to both the front and back of the chairs.

“

This pair of armchairs each consist of a shaped top rail, the back having seven turned spindles with turned uprights to either side.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. A pair of late nineteenth-century ebonised wooden armchairs featuring turned spindle backrests, woven rush seats, and turned legs with stretchers. — fig 1. Rare & Unusual Pair of Late 19th Century ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ Ebonised Sussex Armchairs Attributed to Morris & Co.

The arms and turned arm supports are fixed through the seat rail, this being a design only found on the Sussex chair, the arms also with seven turned spindles which is an unusual design, leading down to rush seats both in very good condition.

fig 2. A pair of late nineteenth-century ebonised wooden armchairs featuring turned spindle backrests, woven rush seats, and turned legs with stretchers. — fig 2. Rare & Unusual Pair of Late 19th Century ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ Ebonised Sussex Armchairs Attributed to Morris & Co.

The armchairs are supported by turned tapered outswept legs to the front which an unusal design joined by a turned stretcher and outswept legs to the back joined with turned stretchers.

The Sussex chair, originally designed by Phillip Webb, was introduced by Morris & Co (William Morris) around 1864 remaining popular for many years and was still being produced, still featuring in their catalogue of 1911.

fig 3. A pair of late nineteenth-century ebonised wooden armchairs featuring turned spindle backrests, woven rush seats, and turned legs with stretchers. — fig 3. Rare & Unusual Pair of Late 19th Century ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ Ebonised Sussex Armchairs Attributed to Morris & Co.

The Sussex chair was based on a country chair of similar design found in the county of Sussex, it brought a refreshing style to furniture as it was of simple structure, mainly made from beech and often stained in black or 'ebonised' with a rush seat and ideal for the smaller property.

fig 4. A pair of late nineteenth-century ebonised wooden armchairs featuring turned spindle backrests, woven rush seats, and turned legs with stretchers. — fig 4. Rare & Unusual Pair of Late 19th Century ‘His’ & ‘Hers’ Ebonised Sussex Armchairs Attributed to Morris & Co.

William Morris used the Sussex chairs in his own houses as did his great friend, the artist Edward Burne-Jones.

The Sussex chair also influenced other top designers of the time such as Liberty & Heals who produced their own versions such as the 'Argyll' range at Liberty & Co.