Wheeler of Arncroach Mahogany Gossip Chair

mahogany gossip chair by Wheeler of Arncroach with a pierced vase shaped splat , above a drop in seat raised on square tapering legs .

The origin of the well-known 'Gossip' chair from the workshop of Fife furniture maker William Wheeler of Arncroach is closely bound up with the Anstruther family in the early twentieth century. It came about as an example of country house patronage, in which Eva, sister in law of Sir Ralph Anstruther of Balcaskie, sent down from her house, Gillingshill, just outside Arncroach, a Chippendale-style dining chair to be repaired. William Wheeler junior, who carried on his father's business from 1913, recollected that Mrs Anstruther, whilst in the shop discussing the details of her repair, suggested that a chair might be made to the same design but on a much smaller scale. As Wheeler recalled: "I carried out her suggestion and the result was a very neat little chair with a fretted back, which I learned was to be used for the fireside". "Keenly interested, I asked Sir Ralph's sister in law what she proposed to call the chair. She thought for a moment and replied, 'I think I'll call it a gossip chair'. So the name stuck to it and after the chair I had made had been taken away I started to make others in different designs".

Sir Robert Lorimer, many of whose early designs were executed by William Wheeler, has also long been associated with Gossip chairs. Several were held in his collection at Kellie Castle, and he is also understood to have presented them as Christening gifts.

All measurements are done to the widest point .

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Here at Sinclair's Antiques and Interiors we do our utmost best to ensure all our items are described and photographed to show any flaws or damage such as shrinkage splits, losses or lifts to veneer, repairs or marks. However giving the age and the fact that each piece will have had years of polishing to create its own individual character we cannot describe every minor mark separately and therefore recommend you either visit our warehouse or request extra photographs.

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