Antique Victorian Barrel Tub Chair | Green Man Carved Crest | Reupholstery Project | C. 1870–1880

Details

Description

A characterful and collectible Victorian barrel chair offered as a reupholstery project — a genuine opportunity for the buyer who … Read more A characterful and collectible Victorian barrel chair offered as a reupholstery project — a genuine opportunity for the buyer who wants to put their own stamp on a piece with exceptional bones.

The standout feature is the Green Man — a mythological foliate face — hand-carved into the center of the crest rail, flanked by lush acanthus scrollwork. This motif was a hallmark of the Gothic Revival and Renaissance Revival movements of the 1860s–80s and is actively sought by collectors of Victorian decorative arts. Below it, the central splat features a carved Gothic diamond medallion, with pierced scrolling splats to either side. The carving throughout is crisp and detailed.

The form is a classic Victorian barrel/tub parlor chair: a continuous curved arm rail wrapping into the back, round seat, and splayed legs. Construction is authentic to the period — original coil spring over burlap foundation — sound and restorable by any upholsterer familiar with antique seating.

The chair retains its original wooden wheel casters with period metal fittings — an authentic detail that confirms age and has not been tampered with. Please note there is a crack in one leg, visible in photos, which a competent furniture restorer can stabilize prior to or alongside reupholstery.

In the right hands — a new linen, velvet, or mohair in a rich jewel tone — this chair will be a showstopper. See less