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ID #SA1231982
FOR SALE
£825
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Morris & Co Ebonised Sussex Armchair by Philip Webb
CJ Antiques
for sale €965     $1,048
£825

CJ Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2009
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Id #SA1231982
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Morris & Co Ebonised Sussex Armchair by Philip Webb

19th century
For Sale by CJ Antiques
Description

RETIREMENT SALE. 50% DISCOUNT. WAS £1650. NOW £825.

This is the more desirable original ebonised version in untouched original condition

An exceptional, genuine 19th-century Aesthetic Movement ebonized beech and ash "Sussex" armchair, designed by the pioneering Arts & Crafts architect Philip Webb (British, 1831–1915) for Morris & Co.. Originally introduced in the 1860s, this iconic armchair model features the highly distinct four-spindle turned backrest, gently curved armrests, and an authentic hand-woven natural rush seat. Celebrated as a foundational masterpiece of British design history, this piece presents an exquisite, untouched historic patina, making it a premier acquisition for discerning design collectors and high-end residential interiors.

Historical Significance & Reference. The "Sussex" range was adapted by Philip Webb from traditional country chairs found in vernacular Sussex farmhouses. It became a commercial triumph for William Morris's firm and was used extensively to furnish Morris's own legendary home, Red House. This exact variant is prominently documented in the official Morris & Co. Furniture Catalogue (c. 1910) as the flagship "Sussex Arm-Chair" (Item No. 1), famously retailing at the time for 9s. 6d. The design is universally recognized and preserved in major global institutions, including the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London, Accession No. O7883) and the William Morris Gallery (Walthamstow, Catalogue No. G55).

Dimensions Height: 85 cm (33.5 in)Width: 52 cm (20.5 in)Depth: 44 cm (17.3 in)Seat Height: 44 cm (17.3 in)

Condition Report Overall: good antique condition. We have not restored this chair; it is in as found found original condition with original rush seat. This can be re- rushed and at this stage the joints would all be tightened; however we prefer to leave it in its original state

Declaration

CJ Antiques has dated this Ebonised Sussex Armchair to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1231982
Dealers Notes

FREE DELIVERY- Most of our items priced in excess of £1500 are delivered free of charge and can be purchased with a 20% deposit and the balance on delivery to most mainland UK destinations. Please specify a postal area for clarification. We deliver to all international destinations in foam lined wooden ply crates. Please email or phone for a quote. We abide by the UK and EU consumer contracts regulations 2014/distance selling regulations and confirm that if for any reason you are not happy , within the first fourteen days of receiving the item, we will issue a full refund minus the return carriage costs. All items must be returned within 7 days following confirmation of intention to return the item.

All our items arrive in great condition and have all been through our workshops and fully restored so they arrive in house ready condition, unless stated to the contrary; any imperfections are commensurate with the age and beauty of owning antiques.

Description
RETIREMENT SALE. 50% DISCOUNT. WAS £1650. NOW £825.

This is the more desirable original ebonised version in untouched original condition

An exceptional, genuine 19th-century Aesthetic Movement ebonized beech and ash "Sussex" armchair, designed by the pioneering Arts & Crafts architect Philip Webb (British, 1831–1915) for Morris & Co.
CJ Antiques

. Originally introduced in the 1860s, this iconic armchair model features the highly distinct four-spindle turned backrest, gently curved armrests, and an authentic hand-woven natural rush seat. Celebrated as a foundational masterpiece of British design history, this piece presents an exquisite, untouched historic patina, making it a premier acquisition for discerning design collectors and high-end residential interiors.

fig 1. An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat.
fig 1. Morris & Co Ebonised Sussex Armchair by Philip Webb

Historical Significance & Reference. The "Sussex" range was adapted by Philip Webb from traditional country chairs found in vernacular Sussex farmhouses. It became a commercial triumph for William Morris's firm and was used extensively to furnish Morris's own legendary home, Red House. This exact variant is prominently documented in the official Morris & Co. Furniture Catalogue (c. 1910) as the flagship "Sussex Arm-Chair" (Item No. 1), famously retailing at the time for 9s. 6d. The design is universally recognized and preserved in major global institutions, including the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London, Accession No. O7883) and the William Morris Gallery (Walthamstow, Catalogue No. G55).

fig 2. An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat.
fig 2. Morris & Co Ebonised Sussex Armchair by Philip Webb

Dimensions Height: 85 cm (33.5 in)Width: 52 cm (20.5 in)Depth: 44 cm (17.3 in)Seat Height: 44 cm (17.3 in)

Condition Report Overall: good antique condition. We have not restored this chair; it is in as found found original condition with original rush seat. This can be re- rushed and at this stage the joints would all be tightened; however we prefer to leave it in its original state

Date of Manufacture

CJ Antiques has dated this Ebonised Sussex Armchair to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1231982
CJ Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2009
Dealer Profile

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

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An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat.
1 / 5
Archive I An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat.

Morris & Co Ebonised Sussex Armchair by Philip Webb

Archive II An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat. View II
Archive III An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat. View III
Archive IV An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat. View IV
Archive V An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07929 760779
Location
Anglesey
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/cj
Verified Since Aug 2009
Items For Sale 225
Items Sold 581
CJ Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2009
View Dealer Info
Location: Anglesey, United Kingdom
Verified
Aug 2009
For Sale
225
Sold
581
An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat.
Morris & Co ebonised Sussex armchair by Philip Webb
Ref: SA1231982
An Arts and Crafts ebonised wooden armchair featuring turned back spindles, curved armrests, and a woven rush seat.
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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.

The Sussex chair design originated in the 1860s, adapted by Morris & Co. from traditional vernacular furniture found in Sussex country cottages. Associated with designers Philip Webb and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, it became a staple of the Arts and Crafts movement due to its simple, functional aesthetic.

Traditional Sussex chairs feature lightweight turned beech wood frames finished with ebonisation or stain, alongside hand-woven natural rush seats. The frames rely on turned spindles and simple mortise and tenon joinery for stability without excessive weight.

Authentic period examples demonstrate precise wood turning on the spindles, slim structural framing, correct historic proportions, and authentic wear to the ebonised finish where handling occurs. Stamps or labels from manufacturers such as Morris & Co. may sometimes be present on the underside of the frame.

An ebonised rush chair functions as a graphic accent piece alongside modern upholstery or minimalist timber furnishings. Its dark frame provides strong visual contrast in neutral spaces, entryways, or reading corners.

Clean the ebonised frame using a dry microfiber cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals or excess water that could damage the delicate surface stain. Maintain the rush seat by occasionally misting it lightly with water to prevent dryness, avoiding heavy pressure on aged fibers.
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