A late 17th century Yorkshire backstool

Jan & John Maggs

Antiques and Art

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English regional furniture of the 1600s is nowhere more deftly illustrated than in the myriad variety of chairs of the period. We’ve had dozens over the decades, but never one more pleasing than this, which we recently purchased from a trusted English picker.

The base is typical of country chairs of the period: turned front legs and stretcher and plain back legs and side and rear stretchers. The first embellishment as we climb the chair is the Cupid’s bow apron under the seat, a motif that continues around the sides.

The back is formed between the posts that grow out of the rear legs. The lower rail is shaped similarly to the apron, and the crest is beautifully carved with an inverted heart beneath the pinwheel finial. These two rails support two moulded stiles, and this frame holds the fielded central panel. The outer posts terminate with the understated “comma” finial found on many North Country backstools. The seat is comprised of two thin boards, treated with a planed moulding on three sides.

The chair is in very good condition, tight and sturdy, with an excellent, dry finish and a slight rake to the back. One of the nicest we’ve had.

Yorkshire, England, ca. 1690

Seat width: 18 ½”; Seat depth: 15 ½”; Seat height: 18 ¼”; Overall height: 44”

Price: $450

Questions? Click HERE.

Inventory #27032

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