Gothic Strawberry Hill Windsor Steeple Back Armchairs by Theodore Alexander, 1990s, Set of 2

Details

Description

A gorgeous and extremely rare pair of gothic style windsor armchairs in lovely condition. Widely considered the pinnacle of windsor … Read more A gorgeous and extremely rare pair of gothic style windsor armchairs in lovely condition. Widely considered the pinnacle of windsor chair design, these elegant beauties are crafted in the rare ‘strawberry hill’ style of windsor chairs, and as such exude a quintessential english-antique aesthetic abounding with finely carved decorative detailing. This exquisite pair of armchairs by theodore alexander will enhance any interior with rich colouring and their magnificently refined, eye-catching antique style.

gothic windsor chairs are the most sophisticated and most sought after of windsor furniture, and you can see why from the design and craftsmanship of this stunning pair. Beautifully crafted from gorgeously toned and reassuringly heavy solid cherry wood, these fabulous armchairs feature impressive and shapely single-piece, saddle-sculpted seats into which the legs, back and arm supports fit, in the centuries-old ‘windsor’ fashion.

the ‘gothic’ or ‘steeple back’ moniker comes from the gorgeously curving-to-a-point, arch-shaped back and the breathtaking gothic fretwork detailing to the back splats, which cast magnificent silhouettes, reminiscent of cathedral windows and architecture from the middle ages. All hand-crafted, they feature shapely swept-back, curving arm supports, impressive cabriole front legs with carved knee pads, inversely-tapering turned rear legs, and are supported by lovely tapering three-part crinoline stretchers.

often also referred to ‘strawberry hill’ chairs, after the gothic revival house remodelled by horace walpole, gothic windsor chairs first came into fashion around 1750, when the gothic revival movement swept england in homage to the designs from the centuries earlier middle ages gothic period. This fine pair are late 20th century examples by very high-end furniture maker theodore alexander and the original 18th century versions of this strawberry hill design can command prices in the tens of thousands of pounds.

all in all this is a breathtakingly attractive, very rare and highly usable pair of gothic windsor armchairs, which won’t fail to turn heads and will add superb quality and colouring, timeless grandeur and a much sought-after, quintessentially english-antique aesthetic to any setting.

condition
this super pair of windsor armchairs are in very good condition. Beautifully crafted, reassuringly heavy and structurally sound, they have only minor wear, a few to-be-expected nicks and the darker seat has two hairline cracks to the rear, which doesn’t affect it structurally and can only really be seen on close inspection. All in all this is a magnificent and rare pair in lovely condition and if well looked after they should be just as breathtaking for generations to come – please see the photos.

measurements
height – 104.5cm, width – 60cm, depth - 53cm, seat height – 48cm, seat width – 44cm, seat depth – 39cm, weight per chair – 10 & 9.5kg. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
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