Welsh Vernacular Antique Three-Legged Chair

A delightful Welsh vernacular (functional) antique three-legged chair, constructed from various indigenous hedge timbers, including ash

We acquired it from a private sale in Norfolk. The previous owner was told that the chair originated from a farmhouse in North Wales and was 18th-century. We do not dispute that the chair is Welsh, but we would question the date. We would date this chair to the late 19th Century rather than earlier, as the wear to the surfaces is not consistent with what we would expect to see if it were to date to the 18th Century.

The chair is adult-size and was made by a bodger rather than by a chairmaker, given its primitive form. 

With a shaped cresting rail over a spindle back, a slab seat, and supported by three splayed legs, naively formed from tree branches, complete with knots! The legs are secured through the seat board by way of wedges.

This is a delightful rustic chair of primitive form that would grace any home, be it period or modern.

Provenance – See above. Acquired from a property in Hempton, Norfolk.

Condition – Good as per the images. All joints are sound, and the chair is readily useable.

Size – Back Height 84 cm x Overall depth from the tip of the front legs to the tip of the back leg 63 cm x Maximum seat width 46.5 cm x Seat height 40.75 cm