Are bobbin chairs comfortable to sit in daily?

They offer firm support. The backrests are upright and rigid, which suits occasional use or dining rather than lounging. Adding a loose cushion improves comfort considerably. Many Victorian examples were designed to accommodate padded cushions tied to the stiles.

I want to put one of these in my hallway to sit on while putting shoes on, but will the frame take a modern adult's weight?

Most antique frames handle normal daily use without issue. Country chairs were built solidly for hard wear in busy domestic settings. If the joints are tight, the chair is fit for purpose. You should check that the corner joints don't flex excessively when weight is applied.

How do you clean turned wood?

A soft brush is the best tool for dusting. It reaches into the deep grooves of the turnings without catching. Avoid liquid polishes. A light application of beeswax every few years preserves the patina.

There is a gap where the horizontal bar meets the leg on the chair I am looking at, does this mean it needs repairing immediately?

Small gaps at the shoulder of a joint are common. Timber shrinks across the grain over time, pulling slightly away from the adjoining piece. It doesn't require attention unless the joint is loose. If the stretcher rattles or twists in the socket, it needs dismantling and re-gluing by a restorer.

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Victorian Bobbin Chairs

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Antique bobbin chairs feature distinctive turned woodwork resembling rows of spools or bobbins, originally crafted in the seventeenth century as sturdy seating for provincial homes and later revived during the Arts and Crafts movement.