A Charming Near Matching Pair of Early 19th Century, Georgian, Yew Wood, Low Back Windsor Armchairs Having Three Pierced & Shaped Splats With Central Set Roundels, Or Draughts, Alternating With Turned Spindles To Backs, Over Extremely Well Figured Shaped Seats Raised On Elegant Turned Legs United By Crinoline Stretchers.

“Attributed To J & R Prior, Uxbridge”

The Prior family of Uxbridge, Middlesex are extremely well known for being high quality chair makers throughout the second half of the 18th century and then the early 19th century. The family business was started in the 18th century by John Prior, who passed away in 1816, leaving behind his two sons John Jnr and Robert. Robert took on the running of the firm from his father but it is common to find either, or both of the brothers names stamped onto high quality Windsor chairs.

The use of high quality woods like Yew, the bell shaped seats, and the unusual triple splats to the back are all characteristics which help to attribute these unstamped chairs to the “Prior” family firm.

This particular pair of windsor chairs were clearly produced in the same workshop, but at different times, as is common for many windsor chairs which tended to be made individually for people and then added to at a later date. There are many features of these chairs which match exactly, with just a few small minor differences and then the main difference which is the width.

One of the chairs is around one and a half inches wider than the other, which obviously gives it a slightly different feel when they are stood side by side. One piece of good news is that as a result of the slight difference in width they are a sort of his and hers type pair of chairs, with one perhaps more suited to a larger frame person.

Overall the condition is good with no structural defects to speak of and the yew wood has retained a lovely mellow colour. The curved crinoline stretcher is also a nice feature of course and nearly always a sign that a windsor chair has come from a good workshop.

Both chairs have been through our workshops and inspected by our highly skilled, trained antique furniture restorers plus received a natural wax polish to ensure that they are ready for immediate placement within the home after purchase.

Circa 1820.

Height 36in.
Width 22in.
Width 23.5in.
Depth 21.5in.