English

circa 1805 - 1815

Early 19th century Regency period mahogany chair in the manor of Gillows of Lancaster and London
(termed Curricle)

A finely figured solid mahogany tub-shaped chair with the original gilt brass caps and castors is undamaged.

The seat has recently been reupholstered in a brown leather and the caning is in an excellent condition.

The curricle, a popular piece of furniture throughout the Regency period, is described by Thomas Sheraton in his 'Cabinet Dictionary', 1803, as having taken its name from 'being shaped like that kind of carriage' and was 'well adapted for dining parlours, being of a strong form, easy and conveniently low, affording easier access to a dining table than the common kind.' However, being a comfortable easy chair it was often used for reading and writing in libraries. Due to its splendid adaptability, it could be used in various other rooms such as bedrooms and dressing rooms making the chairs' form very popular. Gillow of Lancaster made five curricles in mahogany for the dressing rooms and bedrooms at Tatton Park, Cheshire, England in 1812.

Dimensions

Height Framed 91.44cm (36 inches)

Width Framed 54.61cm (21.5 inches)

Depth Framed 63.50cm (25 inches)