What is a smokers bow chair?

A smokers bow chair is a traditional low-backed wooden armchair featuring a curved continuous top rail and a shaped solid seat. They developed from country Windsor designs into popular seating for studies and offices. These armchairs combine turned spindle supports with sturdy hardwood construction. Their low profile made them practical for sitting near fires or working at desks.

How old are these chairs?

The pieces available generally date from the nineteenth century during the Victorian era, with some extending into the early twentieth century. Cabinetmakers and regional turners produced them in large numbers across England. Determining age involves examining the tool marks on the seat, the wear on the wooden feet, and the construction methods used in the undercarriage. Variations in timber selection also offer clues to the period of manufacture.

Can I use one at a desk?

Many of these armchairs serve effectively as desk or office chairs due to their supportive back rails and generous seat proportions. Their sturdy frames handle daily sitting while fitting neatly under standard desk heights. Selecting a version with a wider seat or an oversized arm ensures comfortable working space. Their robust wooden construction makes them durable alternatives to modern office seating.

What timbers were used?

Makers constructed these seats using native British hardwoods, frequently combining different woods within a single armchair. Elm was the preferred choice for the solid saddle seat because of its resistance to splitting. Other parts such as the legs, stretchers, and bent bows utilised beech, ash, oak, or occasionally yew. This mixed-timber construction gave each chair structural strength and varied natural grain patterns.