An antique 19th century vernacular Irish hedge chair

Fresh to the market, this is a charming example of a 19th century Irish ‘hedge’ or ‘famine’ chair.

Well built in ash, pine and oak, and originating from County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

The name ‘hedge chair’ comes directly from the so called ‘hedge carpenters’ of Ireland.      

The ‘hedge carpenters’ would source their timber directly from the hedge row. With less knowledge than the average trained craftsmen, and fewer tools, they would build simple but beautiful and sturdy chairs for their homes.

These primitive and certainly provincial chairs would utilise whatever timber grew locally, with never one the same as the next. 

Without doubt these vernacular chairs are well recognised part of Irish social history, and today equally well sought after.

Sometimes also known to as a ‘famine’ chair, this relates to the great famine period in Ireland (1845-1852). Chairs like this would have been made by the poorer tenant farmers with locally sourced timber.

These chairs are poignant reminders of these hard times and social struggles in Ireland during the mid 19th century.

The chair sits well and has a lovely warm colour. It is robustly built from solid timbers which have developed a good time worn patina.

The use of visible wedged mortise and tenon joints to the seat are very characteristic of this type of chair.

With well worn concentric band details to each of the legs.

Dimensions:

Height - 78.3cm

Widest point - 47.8cm

Depth - 39cm

Seat height - 43.1cm

Seat depth - 33cm

Backrest height - 36.3cm

Structurally sound, with little or no movement to any joints.

Age related wear.

Evidence of historic non active wood worm, which has been treated for peace of mind.

Some minor stains to the seat.

*Delivery fee is based on UK mainland, buyers located in Scotland and Wales please make contact prior to committing to purchase to request a shipping quote*