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An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair
An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair

An antique late 19th century Irish famine hedge chair

Code: 10292

Dimensions:

W: 65.6cm (25.8")H: 85.5cm (33.7")D: 50cm (19.7")

SOLD

A wonderful original 19th century Irish hedge chair.

Constructed from ash and elm, with characteristic interlocking armrests and hefty slab seat. 

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 are well recognised part of Irish social history, and today equally well sought after.

The appeal of this type of vernacular chair is the lack of original finishing, with the maker choosing to leave the legs joints proud of seat, which is now considered part of their charm.

Sometimes known as  ‘fools’ chair or ‘famine’ chair.

This particular example comes from the County Down region and is found in natural dry state.

With charming details including, turned legs with carved concentric banding, stunning grain to the timber.

A little minor detail which could be missed is the remnant of cloth which can still be seen on one of the exposed back leg joints. Used originally to tighten up this leg when originally made.

The addition of the worm tracks visible to the arm rest as illustrated only helps to enhance the chairs character.

Dimensions:

Height - 85.5cm

Widest point - 65.6cm

Depth - 50cm

Seat height - 41.5cm

Seat depth - 33.5cm

Backrest height - 42cm

 

The chair has survived well, with only one back leg sitting slightly shorter than the rest.

Some evidence of historic non active wood worm, this has been treated for peace of mind.

Minor movement to arm rest but still bares weight with no issue to its use.

Historic use of nails as illustrated.

The seat is still rock solid and fit for purpose.

*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*

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