Howard and Sons Style Sofa
A howard and sons style sofa brings deep seating and relaxed country house comfort into a drawing room.
Howard and Sons Style Sofa
A howard and sons style sofa is defined by generous proportions and deep seats designed for domestic ease. The pieces encountered here span the nineteenth century, the Edwardian era, and later decades, appearing as serpentine Chesterfields, daybeds, and large settees.
Many examples channel the classic English country house aesthetic, whilst others display Victorian Chippendale revival characteristics or Aesthetic movement details. Forms range from traditional low-backed models to double wingback configurations and open-armed frames.
Materials and Construction
Frames are constructed from sturdy timbers including mahogany, walnut, and general hardwood to support the substantial weight of deep upholstery. Brass elements frequently appear on castors or feet, whilst visible wooden legs often terminate in ball and claw designs.
Upholstery relies on traditional textiles such as cotton, hessian, and original ticking fabric stretched over coiled springs. The careful layering of these materials creates the characteristic resilient bounce associated with the maker's workshop.
Some daybeds manage to look entirely ready for an afternoon nap taken over a century ago.
Assessing Quality and Execution
The distinction between tiers rests upon the integrity of the underlying frame and the retention of traditional stuffing methods. Finer examples maintain a rigid, heavy timber skeleton that resists sway and supports deep, comfortable springing.
Surface details on exposed woodwork, such as finely carved ball and claw feet or select mahogany and walnut grains, elevate the piece. The choice of covering fabric, from simple ticking to elaborate patterned textiles, also signals the ambition of the original commission.
The Howard and Sons Style Sofa Glossary
- Chesterfield
- A large upholstered sofa traditionally featuring arms and back of the same height. It remains a staple form within nineteenth century seating design.
- Daybed
- A long seat intended for reclining, combining elements of a chair and a bed. These often appear in nineteenth century and Edwardian variants.
- Ticking
- A tightly woven cotton or linen fabric traditionally used to enclose mattress and furniture stuffing. Original examples provide authenticity to period upholstery.
- Hessian
- A coarse woven fabric made from jute fibres used as a foundation layer in traditional upholstery. It conceals and supports the internal springs and stuffing.
Howard and Sons Style Sofa: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a howard and sons style sofa?
These pieces are deep-seated nineteenth and early twentieth century English seating forms built for comfort rather than formal posture. They include Chesterfields, daybeds, and settees associated with country house interiors.
They combine robust hardwood frames with layered springing and traditional textiles like ticking and cotton. Their design prioritises relaxed lounging over rigid upright support.
How do I date a howard and sons style sofa?
Dating relies on examining the timber frame, the upholstery materials, and stylistic cues such as ball and claw feet or Aesthetic movement details. Pieces range from nineteenth century originals to Edwardian and later twentieth century interpretations.
Changes in wood choice, from mahogany and walnut to general hardwoods, alongside the presence of original ticking or later fabrics, help narrow the period of manufacture.
Where should I place a howard and sons style sofa?
These substantial sofas suit generous drawing rooms, libraries, and living spaces where their deep proportions can be fully appreciated. They anchor a room by providing a focal point for relaxed seating.
Allow sufficient space around the piece for movement, particularly for daybeds and larger Chesterfield models that extend further into the room.
How do I care for antique upholstery?
Preserving the fabric requires regular gentle vacuuming using a low suction attachment to remove dust from the weaves of cotton, hessian, or ticking. Keep the sofa away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the textiles.
Exposed wooden elements like mahogany or walnut legs benefit from occasional dusting with a dry cloth to maintain their finish without harsh chemical polishes.