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, Upholsterer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800.
Drawing
ca.1765-1770 (made)
ca.1765-1770 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This presentation design for a chair was produced in the late 18th century by the English furniture designer John Linnell. It takes the form of the ‘French elbow chair’ and displays both the general trend for French-inspired furniture and Linnell’s personal adoption of such forms. Chairs of this design were often made so that the upholstery could be removed and updated. They were frequently made from beech wood and could be carved and gilded. The design is contemporary with the rococo forms which were popular during this period.
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 rococo influence in this design is demonstrated in Linnell's use of the curved arm rails, the s-shaped curves at the front of the seat and the cabriole front legs. Cabriole legs are defined by their curved and tapered form and often have inward or outward scrolling feet.
Chairs like this were intended for use in domestic rooms, such as drawing rooms, which were enjoyed by the family as well as guests. The emphasis upon the upholstery attests to the increasing importance placed upon comfort and convenience during the latter half of the 18th century. In 1768, William Drake (a wealthy young man who inherited property in London and Buckinghamshire) ordered chairs of a similar design with sofas to match, possibly for his country house Shardeloes in Buckinghamshire. (Hayward, H. and Kirkham, P. William and John Linnell Eighteenth Century London Furniture Makers, London; Studio Vista, Christie’s (1980) p.78)
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 rococo influence in this design is demonstrated in Linnell's use of the curved arm rails, the s-shaped curves at the front of the seat and the cabriole front legs. Cabriole legs are defined by their curved and tapered form and often have inward or outward scrolling feet.
Chairs like this were intended for use in domestic rooms, such as drawing rooms, which were enjoyed by the family as well as guests. The emphasis upon the upholstery attests to the increasing importance placed upon comfort and convenience during the latter half of the 18th century. In 1768, William Drake (a wealthy young man who inherited property in London and Buckinghamshire) ordered chairs of a similar design with sofas to match, possibly for his country house Shardeloes in Buckinghamshire. (Hayward, H. and Kirkham, P. William and John Linnell Eighteenth Century London Furniture Makers, London; Studio Vista, Christie’s (1980) p.78)
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | 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, Upholsterer Carver & Cabinet Maker. Selected from his Portfolios at his Decease, by C. H. Tatham Architect. AD 1800. (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | pencil, pen and watercolour on paper |
| Brief description | Design for an armchair in pencil, pen, ink and watercolour on paper. From a volume of designs for furniture, interior decoration and architectural fittings, by John Linnell, Great Britain, ca.1765-1770 |
| Physical description | A design for an armchair in the style of a 'French elbow chair'. The watercolour wash suggests that the chair would have been upholstered, possibly in blue damask. The back is cartouche-shaped and the chair legs are in the form of the cabriole shape. The wooden elements of the chair have been painted with yellow watercolour. This design is one of a set for furniture, including chairs and state beds, interior decoration, including pier glasses, and architectural fittings including chimney pieces and doors. In a volume. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Marks and inscriptions | 'Plate 1.' |
| Production | Pencil, pen, ink and watercolour in yellow and blue on paper. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This presentation design for a chair was produced in the late 18th century by the English furniture designer John Linnell. It takes the form of the ‘French elbow chair’ and displays both the general trend for French-inspired furniture and Linnell’s personal adoption of such forms. Chairs of this design were often made so that the upholstery could be removed and updated. They were frequently made from beech wood and could be carved and gilded. The design is contemporary with the rococo forms which were popular during this period. 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 rococo influence in this design is demonstrated in Linnell's use of the curved arm rails, the s-shaped curves at the front of the seat and the cabriole front legs. Cabriole legs are defined by their curved and tapered form and often have inward or outward scrolling feet. Chairs like this were intended for use in domestic rooms, such as drawing rooms, which were enjoyed by the family as well as guests. The emphasis upon the upholstery attests to the increasing importance placed upon comfort and convenience during the latter half of the 18th century. In 1768, William Drake (a wealthy young man who inherited property in London and Buckinghamshire) ordered chairs of a similar design with sofas to match, possibly for his country house Shardeloes in Buckinghamshire. (Hayward, H. and Kirkham, P. William and John Linnell Eighteenth Century London Furniture Makers, London; Studio Vista, Christie’s (1980) p.78) |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | E.59-1929 |
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| Record created | June 30, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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