What is a Gainsborough chair?

A Gainsborough chair is a wide, open-arm easy chair with a fully upholstered back and seat, designed during the eighteenth century for reading and writing. These pieces typically feature mahogany frames with carved cabriole or straight legs and leather upholstery.

How do I identify a Georgian library chair?

Georgian library chairs exhibit solid mahogany frames, traditional joinery, and period upholstery materials such as leather or tapestry fabric. Look for structural proportions typical of the eighteenth century, including pegged joints and hand-carved arm supports.

Were these chairs used at desks?

Certain library armchairs double as desk chairs due to their height and supportive upholstered backs. Authors and scholars utilised these sturdy seats for prolonged periods of reading and correspondence in private studies.

What is the difference between a wing chair and a tub chair?

Wing chairs feature high backs with protective side panels, whereas tub chairs present a continuous curved back and armrest structure. Both forms appear across the eighteenth and nineteenth century listings in mahogany and various textile coverings.