What is a Glastonbury chair?

A Glastonbury chair is a distinctive wooden armchair characterised by an interlocking X-frame base, sloping panel arms, and a solid plank seat. It is closely associated with ecclesiastical furniture and historical monastic design. Most examples found today date to the Victorian Gothic Revival period, constructed from solid English or Welsh oak and pitch pine.

How do I use a prie-dieu chair?

A prie-dieu chair is designed for private devotion, featuring a high narrow back and an upper shelf or ledge for resting arms or prayer books. They were traditionally placed in bedrooms or private chapels for kneeling prayer. Their slender proportions make them versatile accent seats that fit well into hallways or corners without dominating a room.

What wood is most common?

Oak is the predominant timber found in these ecclesiastical pieces, valued for its strength, durability, and traditional association with church architecture. Pitch pine also appears frequently, particularly in larger church pews and institutional seating. Walnut, rosewood, and standard pine are encountered less often, usually reserved for specialised prayer chairs or high-status throne seats.