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A beautiful Windsor chair constructed of ash and birch hailing from the town of Caistor, Lincolnshire.
 
This unique design of chair is found illustrated twice in the notebook of John William Shadford – a chairmaker under the employ of William Shirley whose workshop was situated on Fountain Street, Caistor. His notebook serves as a scarce and historically significant snapshot of chairmaking during the nineteenth century.
 
One drawing of this particular design is entitled ‘Arm Chair Selpey’ or ‘Selfrey’ whilst another is illustrated with rockers. The distinct turnery and stance of this design of chair marks them as unique within the traditions of English chairmaking.
 
The saddled birch seat is supported by thickly turned ash legs and stretchers. Above, are two tremendously tactile ash arms. A central birch slat divides two banks of seven finely turned ash spindles. The top rail, again, is of birch.
 
The original red lead stain remains, albeit very naturally and attractively worn, which when new would have simulated mahogany. Shadford goes as far as to illustrate a large container of red lead in his workshop content drawing further affirming this practice.
 
Solid and usable. When acquired this had been later raised on blocks. These chairs were ‘low-in-the-seat’ from new so it has been returned to its original height.
 
English, from Caistor, attributed to John Shadford, circa 1860.
 
Overall height 104cm
Seat height 34cm
 
References: ‘The English Regional Chair’, Bernard D. Cotton, pages 144-147.