Victorian Coalbrookdale Nasturtium Pattern Garden Seat/bench

A beautiful Coalbrookdale Nasturtium pattern cast iron garden seat or bench dating to circa 1870. The pierced back and sides with a naturalistic design of intertwined nasturtium leaves, flowers and seeds watched over by a classical mask. With bronze nuts, metal seat frame and oak slats, fully stamped Coalbrookdale Co with design no. 195629 and diamond registration marks, this was the largest size they produced in this design. In good structural condition with an old repair to the back, the white satin paintwork needs minor touching up where some rust spots starting to appear, the oak slats in good condition.

The design of this seat, number 195629, was registered and patented by the Coalbrookdale Iron Foundry at The Public Record Office on 1st March 1866, and is number 44 in their 1875 Castings Catalogue. It was originally offered in painted green or chocolate colours, or in a bronzed finish for an additional cost. A choice of seat was also given with the standard being pine or iron (for resistance to termites in other climates), or in ‘real oak’ for a premium.

Overall dimensions at the largest points are approximately

Width - 72.25in (183.5cm)

Depth - 27.5in (70cm)

Height - 32.25in (82cm)

Seat area - 69.25in wide x 18in high

(176cm x 46cm)

Ref: 0641

Furnaces are believed to exist in the settlement of Coalbrookdale from the 17th century until 1703 when the furnace blew up and became derelict. However, in 1709 Abraham Darby, a Bristol brass and iron founder and ironmonger, rebuilt the Coalbrookdale Furnace and formed the Coalbrookdale Company. Rather than using charcoal Abraham Darby used the local coal to fire the furnace and since this was lower in impurities than normal coal it produced a superior iron. By the 1830’s the Coalbrookdale Co became noted for its decorative ironwork, including the gates of London's Hyde Park and in 1849 the Company was awarded the Gold Medal of the Society of Arts for its castings, another award followed in1851 at the Great Exhibition held that year.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or for more photos.

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.