A Design for an Armchair from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholserer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800. thumbnail 1
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A Design for an Armchair from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholserer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800.

Drawing
late 18th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This workshop sketch for an armchair in the form of the ‘French elbow chair’ was produced by John Linnell and demonstrates the integration of rococo forms within furniture design. The rococo style became popular in England around 1730 and can be identified by features such as elaborate S and C curved forms, naturalistic motifs and asymmetry. The cabriole legs within this design, which are curved and tapered, and the curved bow front seat are also typical rococo features.

Chairs such as this were often designed so that the upholstery could be removed and updated. The emphasis upon the upholstery represents the desire for comfort, which became increasingly important throughout the 18th century. Luxurious materials such as damask were often used on chairs of this design as well as tapestry which could depict naturalistic and animal imagery. This type of chair would have been used within domestic rooms such as the drawing room, to be enjoyed by family and guests.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleA Design for an Armchair from; A Miscellaneous Collection of Original Designs, made, and for the most part executed, during an extensive Practice of many years in the first line of his Profession, by John Linnell, Upholserer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800. (series title)
Materials and techniques
pencil, pen and wash
Brief description
Design for an armchair in pen and ink, from a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, late 18th century
Physical description
A design for an armchair in pen and ink, similar in design to E.59-1929. The chair is designed to have an upholstered back and seat and is composed from rococo forms such as cabriole legs and curved armrest rails. One of a set of designs for furniture, including chairs and state beds, interior decoration, including pier glasses, and architectural fittings including chimney pieces and doors. In a volume.
Dimensions
  • Volume height: 17.5cm
  • Volume width: 14.5cm
Style
Summary
This workshop sketch for an armchair in the form of the ‘French elbow chair’ was produced by John Linnell and demonstrates the integration of rococo forms within furniture design. The rococo style became popular in England around 1730 and can be identified by features such as elaborate S and C curved forms, naturalistic motifs and asymmetry. The cabriole legs within this design, which are curved and tapered, and the curved bow front seat are also typical rococo features.

Chairs such as this were often designed so that the upholstery could be removed and updated. The emphasis upon the upholstery represents the desire for comfort, which became increasingly important throughout the 18th century. Luxurious materials such as damask were often used on chairs of this design as well as tapestry which could depict naturalistic and animal imagery. This type of chair would have been used within domestic rooms such as the drawing room, to be enjoyed by family and guests.
Associated object
Bibliographic reference
Victoria and Albert Museum, Department of Engraving, Illustration and Design and Department of Paintings, Accessions 1929, London: Board of Education, 1930.
Collection
Accession number
E.66-1929

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Record createdJune 30, 2009
Record URL
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