Pair of English Walnut Beaded Footstools,c1840

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Description

A fine pair of antique English footstools in walnut, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1840. Fascinating beaded stools … Read more A fine pair of antique English footstools in walnut, dating to the early Victorian period, circa 1840. Fascinating beaded stools in pleasingly original order, displaying a desirable aged patina throughout. The quality walnut frames present fine grain interest, banded with a crisp two-tone chevron parquetry inlay at the rim — a hallmark of considered Victorian cabinetwork rarely found intact on stools of this small scale.

Traditionally stuffed, the beaded cushions host a distinctive foliate scroll motif worked entirely by hand in glass beadwork against an olive ground, centering a small floral medallion. This kind of dense, symmetrical beadwork was a genteel Victorian pastime, and surviving examples in pairs — with matching cushions still married to their original frames — are increasingly hard to come by. Signs of light wear and loss are present to the original beaded cushions, commensurate with age, with some scattered fraying visible at the beadwork edges. Each stool is raised upon a trio of turned walnut bun feet.

A charming and versatile pair — equally at home as a window seat footrest, flanking a fireplace, or pulled up as impromptu occasional seating. Solid joints and construction, delivered ready for the home.

**Condition:Good antique condition. Original beaded cushions with light wear, scattered bead loss, and minor fraying commensurate with age. Aged patina throughout, consistent with nearly 200 years of careful use.

Dimensions:
Max Width: 27 cm (10.75")
Max Depth: 27 cm (10.75")
Max Height: 11 cm (4.25") See less