Object Description
The beech framed and tapestry covered high-backed open armchair of generous proportions, in Louis XIV or William and Mary style, having an upright rectangular back and padded seat upholstered in gros point upholstery showing a heron amongst foliage and wooded landscape with a chateau in the background, with stained beech scroll arms raised on block and turned legs joined by peripheral stretchers survives from late nineteenth century Britain and Auchterool House, Fife, Scotland.
The condition to the upholstery is only a little tired and partly faded, with some areas of, small loss to patches to the very front and two repairs to the needlepoint on the high-back. The beech frame and carved legs are in good strong and sturdy order with little movement and the colour is buttery, worn but pleasing.
Auchtertool is a small village in Fife, Scotland. It is 4 miles west of Kirkcaldy. The name is from the Gaelic uachdar, meaning upland or heights above the Tiel burn (from Gaelic tuil meaning torrent). The Tiel Burn flows a few hundred yards south of the kirk and village, which was formerly known as Milton of Auchtertool. The parish belonged to the diocese of Dunkeld, having been given to Bishop Gregory by King David I in the twelfth century. This chair was removed from Auchtertool House, which is a large and smart early 19th century villa in the village with giant anta pilasters at the corners. The Roman Doric columned doorpiece leads into a hall whose columned screen opens into the stair (see photo). This chair is similar to French Louis XIV period chairs.
A stately and attractive genuine country house chair from the wilds of Scotland.