Antique Victorian Turned Wood Ladder-Back Childs Armchair with Rush Seat, 1900

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Three serpentine cross rails form the open ladder back of this small-scale armchair, framed by tall upright uprights capped with … Read more Three serpentine cross rails form the open ladder back of this small-scale armchair, framed by tall upright uprights capped with turned button finials. Built with the full detailing of a traditional English country armchair, the diminutive frame is scaled for a young child or for displaying collectable dolls and teddy bears. The timber displays a rich dark finish, highlighting the gentle wear along the edges of the curved armrests. The shaped arms sweep down to join turned baluster supports that extend into the front legs. Below the seat, stability is provided by an all-round stretcher system comprising an elegant swelled front rail, double side stretchers, and a plain rear crossbar. The back legs angle gently backward in square-section profiles to maintain balance, while the front uprights terminate in turned feet. A hand-woven rush seat is set neatly into the seat rails in a traditional four-quarter envelope pattern. The woven material retains its firm structure, showing typical tonal variations in the natural rush fibres ranging from light straw to deeper tawny shades, consistent with historic country seating. Dating to circa 1900, this piece reflects the enduring popularity of vernacular Arts and Crafts and regional country furniture during the late Victorian period. The piece measures 71 cm high to the crest rail, with a seat height of 30 cm, an overall width across the arms of 41 cm, and a depth of 37 cm. The usable seat area measures 30.5 cm wide across the front between the arm supports by 28 cm deep, providing compact and sturdy proportions. See less