Gravener Antiques

Description

The back is constructed from black oat straw and bent grass, bound together with cord made from twisted bent grass. The back is almost straight for around 10 rows of straw weave before it curves smoothly out to create a comfortable supportive seat. The drop in seat is constructed from an oak frame and rush seating and is in good condition. The four square legs have under stretchers between them to stabilize the chair and all have tight pegged joints. The Orkney chair has developed through local island tradition, most likely originating from a humble piece of furniture that the islanders could make for themselves with local materials that were readily available. In its very early stages the chairs design was a simple low round stool covered with straw. It was then developed into a low chair in later years by adding of a straw back around two feet in height. This design is thought to be a practical aspect, to shelter the occupant from the cold draught in their Orkney Croft. The chair is un-signed but could be a "D M Kirkness" chair made at the end of the 19th century, similar ones can be seen in Bernard D Cottons book on Scottish Vernacular Furniture on pages250-261. 1070mm high, 625mm wide, 630mm deep and 410mm seat height. Circa 1900.


W J Gravener Antiques is a family owned business, started in 1963 by William who was joined by son, Mark in 1981 and continues today with the same ethos of dealing in fine quality English and Continental furniture, mirrors and decorative objects, from the 18th & 19th centuries. Now under the stewardship of Mark and his wife, Louise, we take pride in maintaining the high standards which William set more than 50 years ago.

W.J.Gravener Antiques are proud members of LAPADA, The London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association.

We offer an approachable and friendly service and we are always happy to hear from clients, both new and established.