The attractive early-nineteenth century folding campaign chair in beech, simulating bamboo, the whole showing some of the remaining original painted decoration and traces of gilding, with remnants of two layers of tapestry fabric upholstery, the chair folding flat and in the Brighton Pavilion style.
Unknown.
Campaign-style furniture goes by many names, such as “military furniture” and “traveling furniture.” But its most curious name is “patent furniture.” It gets this name because many pieces fold up or transform into another form, and the designs were many times patented. The most famous example of patent furniture is the chair that converts to library steps.
It appears that the Prince of Wales began to be interested in the style around 1790, when he commissioned the lavish interiors for the Chinese Drawing Room at Carlton House. From 1801 onwards, he went on to ´relieve the chaste (classical) interior of Brighton Pavillion´, where he wished for a ´gay and lively scheme of decoration that would be more appropriate for a seaside holiday palace´. (Clifford Musgrave, Regency Furniture, 1800 to 1830, London, 1970).
Whether this chair was made for domestic or the military it is very much of the Brighton Pavilion and for that we love it.
The chair shows layers of paint, turquoise and green, with some original gilt showing in places. There are also two layers of repaired fabric which has been left intact. The supporting cross rail being a replacement and partially matched in, please refer to the photographs for a full visual reference.
By appointment only.
