Rush-seated Dales chair with 3 spindles between back bars, straight back poles and front legs (which are slightly higher than the seat), regional turnery device on front stretcher, double side stretchers

WS 156 Rush-seated Dales chair

This chair came with the Clissett type chairs so in effect I got four chairs for the price of three. I recognised it as what Cotton describes in his book as a "Dales" chair from the Lancashire/Cumbria region. There were several features that struck me about this chair as it was probably the first time that I had handled one of these chairs. I was initial surprised how heavy it was along with being very well made. It is all ash construction with its original rush seat that had been painted a dark brown colour.

The two horizontal rails securing the upright turned back spindles are not turned but flattened and rectangular in section. You will notice that the front legs terminate just above the seat level - a feature that I never associate with the Lincolnshire rush seated chairs.

For similar chairs, see Dr B D Cotton The English Regional Chair (1990) NW 30, NW 31 and NW 32, p.330.

© William Sergeant 2019