Chair
About 1600–20
England
Walnut and beech
Upholstery (original): feather-filled canvas cushion; wool cloth decorated with applied silk embroidery on canvas; silk braid and fringe
Nails: brass
Museum no. W.1-1912
The first stage in the development of fixed upholstery was to tack a cushion to the seat frame. It was supported by a stout base cloth and often by webbing, as here. The blue show cover was stretched over the cushion and fixed with widely spaced brass nails set over braid. Silk embroidery, braid and fringe would have added to the effect.
[01/12/2012]