Designs for hour-glass stools were illustrated in furniture pattern books of the 1830s, indicating that the form became fashionable from that period. J.C. Loudon recommended hour-glass stools in his <u>Encyclopaedia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture</u>, 1833, fig. 2328, suggesting that they could be made of straw for rustic summer houses, as well as used in drawing rooms. A design, very similar to this pair of stools, and also with bun feet, was illustrated by Thomas King in <u>The Cabinet Maker's Sketch Book, of Plain and Useful Designs. Vol I Consisting of Chair and Sofa Work</u>, 1835, page 20, 'An hour-glass seat'. King also illustrated two other versions of different design in <u>Specimens of furniture in the Elizabethan and Louis Quatorze styles. Adapted for modern imitation</u>, c. 1835.