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POA
Phillip Webb for Morris and Co. Designed in C1866.
A rare Aesthetic Movement ebonized adjustable reclining armchair. The arched arms with padded armrests united to the sweeping arched legs by turned uprights, with adjustable reclining shaped back. The front legs have the typical bobbin details to the front with plain turned stretchers below, on original brass castors.
This armchair was bought from a Norman Shaw House in Bedford Park around 40 years ago. A slight variation in the design that I have not come across and possibly made to an early commission. I have attached a period photograph of the interior of Swan House in Chelsea also built by Architect Norman Shaw showing a similar armchair.
A similar example of this armchair is held in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum (CIRC.250&A/1toB/1-1961).
These elegant timeless recliners were based on a design from an earlier traditional prototype found in the workshop of an old carpenter named Ephraim Colman in Herstmonceux, East Sussex. England in 1866 by George Warrington Taylor who was the business manager for Morris Marshall and Faulkner. He drew a sketch and wrote a description of the chair and sent it to Philip Webb who adapted it for production by Morris, Marshall, and Faulkner 1861-1875. (The firm became Morris and Co in 1875).
Another version was sold at Bonhams Knightsbridge, on 9 November 2022, for GBP 17,850 inc premium.
