Early 19thc Mendlesham Fruitwood Chair with Elm Seat, of Good Patina

19th century

Sold by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

An excellent and unusual example of an early 19th century Mendlesham chair made of fruitwood with an elm seat and of good patina (colour).

The fruitwood is possibly plum (due to the variation of wood colour on the arms).

This chair consists of a central pierced heart back splat with two unusually decoratively turned spindles either side, most chairs of this style have three plain spindles either side of the back splat.

There are three turned balls (buttons) under the top rail and a further three turned balls (buttons) on the bottom rail, most chairs of this style have just two of these balls on the bottom rail.

The arms are of an exceptionally rare shape for a Mendlesham chair as they are of a scroll design and sweep outwards. There is an old repair to the right scroll arm where the tip has been replaced.

This leads down to the elm of seat of superb patina supported by four turned legs with an H stretcher below.

This particular chair oozes with character and appears to have spent time standing on an uneven surface and has therefore become a distorted shape, although still remains both usable and stable.

The Mendlesham chair was originally made in the Suffolk village of Mendlesham by the Day family and thought to have been designed by Richard Day.

It is thought other makers also made these chairs in surrounding villages nearby to Mendlesham.

These chairs were thought to have been made for special occasions such as weddings & baptisms

& were a very sophisticated design for a provincial chair.

Examples of the Mendlesham chair can be found in Christchurch Mansion, Christchurch Park in Ipswich, Suffolk.

This chair is in very good condition for age, is of stable construction and can go straight into a property.

Physical Dimensions

Height

92cm (36.22")

Width

63cm (24.80")

Depth

48cm (18.90")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this piece to the 1850s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA411272

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS269

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

An excellent and unusual example of an early 19th century Mendlesham chair made of fruitwood with an elm seat and of good patina (colour).

The fruitwood is possibly plum (due to the variation of wood colour on the arms).

“

This chair consists of a central pierced heart back splat with two unusually decoratively turned spindles either side, most chairs of this style have three plain spindles either side of the back splat.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. Early 19thc Mendlesham fruitwood chair with elm seat, of good patina — fig 1. Early 19thc Mendlesham Fruitwood Chair with Elm Seat, of Good Patina

There are three turned balls (buttons) under the top rail and a further three turned balls (buttons) on the bottom rail, most chairs of this style have just two of these balls on the bottom rail.

The arms are of an exceptionally rare shape for a Mendlesham chair as they are of a scroll design and sweep outwards. There is an old repair to the right scroll arm where the tip has been replaced.

fig 2. Early 19thc Mendlesham fruitwood chair with elm seat, of good patina — fig 2. Early 19thc Mendlesham Fruitwood Chair with Elm Seat, of Good Patina

This leads down to the elm of seat of superb patina supported by four turned legs with an H stretcher below.

This particular chair oozes with character and appears to have spent time standing on an uneven surface and has therefore become a distorted shape, although still remains both usable and stable.