18th Century English oak and mahogany cross banded settle – AA-EX1234

 
Stock AA-EX1234

Mid to late 18th Century English oak settle

The plain moulded crest rail above a faded band of mahogany and five shaped fielded panels, flanked by shaped slab arms on turned supports, attached to the seat rail. The weaved hessian seat supporting a floating loose cushion, resting on bold front cabriole legs and bun feet.

Cheshire/South Lancashire

1750 – 1810

H. 3’ 5.5” – 105 cm

W. 6’ – 183 cm

D. 2’ – 61 cm

When dating a piece on the basis of it’s stylistic features it is vital to take into account its likely regional idiosyncrasies. Certain archaic features persisted in some regional traditions much longer than in others (for example the notched ends on boarded furniture in the West Country and the Renaissance-style carving in the Lake District). To judge this settle from the North-West by the stylistic standards of London furniture would lead to a wildly inaccurate date – certainly a much earlier one than is likely to be the case.

If, however, this piece is considered within its appropriate regional context, where features such as panelled backs, slab arms and cabriole legs survived as fashionable for an exceptionally long period, then a more realistic date is suggested.