What is a smoker's bow chair?

A smoker's bow is a nineteenth-century wooden armchair, similar to a Windsor chair, designed with a rounded spindle back and a solid plank seat. They were standard seating in domestic and public interiors. These chairs frequently combine elm seats with beech or ash framing, offering a durable and supportive seat for daily use.

How do I identify a tribal club?

Tribal clubs are identified by their specific regional forms, such as the bulbous root head of a Fijian ula or the dense shaft of an Australian nulla-nulla. They are hand-carved from heavy native hardwoods. Examining the tool marks and the natural wear patterns helps determine the age and geographic origin of the artefact.

What woods were used for these items?

Maker materials include domestic timbers like mahogany, elm, beech, ash, walnut, and general hardwood, alongside specialised dense woods used for Oceanic and African weapons. Leather, cane, and brass often accompany the seating. The choice of timber depended on whether the maker needed bending flexibility for chair arms or dense impact resistance for a weapon.

How do I care for leather library chairs?

Library armchairs upholstered in brown leather require stable indoor humidity and protection from direct sunlight to prevent the hide from drying and cracking. Gentle dusting and appropriate conditioning maintain the surface. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that strip the original dye and finish from vintage leather hides.