AFA Summer 2020

2020 Antiques & Fine Art 85 Seats of this form were termed “French Chairs” by Thomas Chippendale (1718–1779) in his The Gentleman and Cabinet- Maker’s Director (1754). He maintained that “Both the Backs and Seats must be covered in with Tapestry, or other sort of Needlework.” Following that dictum, this chair retains its original needlework, as do many of the other eleven examples in the suite. Tradition holds that the needlework was designed and stitched by Lady Barbara North of Glemham, in Suffolk, England. However, professional needle workers also produced such work and may have created these covers. Armchair, London, England, 1750–1760. Mahogany, beech, linen, iron, hair, wool and silk needlework on linen ground, and brass. Museum Purchase (1955-179, 4).