A 19th century Windsor chair

A fine 19th century English Windsor chair, constructed in elm and ash, with an attractive aged patina and beautifully figured elm saddle seat. The characteristic hoop back incorporates turned spindles and a distinctive pierced central splat, while the elegantly turned ash arm supports and legs are united by an H-stretcher. In original condition.

This is a particularly pleasing example of the traditional English Windsor chair, retaining its original country character and displaying the mellow colour and surface associated with good age. The combination of an elm seat with an ash hoop, spindles and turned supports is typical of the finest regional Windsor furniture.

The chair is probably from the Thames Valley and High Wycombe area of Buckinghamshire, one of the most important centres of Windsor chair production in England during the 18th and 19th centuries. Windsor chairs from Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley were widely made for country houses, kitchens, libraries and informal domestic interiors.

An excellent antique English Windsor chair with strong country-house appeal, ideal as a desk chair, dining chair or occasional armchair.