28 - ENGLISH FURNITURE

ENGLISH FURNITURE Black-stained beech armchair with a high, openwork backrest composed of five flat planks cut into a wavy pattern. Flat, scroll-carved armrests. Turned base joined by double crossbars. Seat of woven rush (wear on the armrests and upper crossbar; dry rush frayed at the edges). Circa 1900 H 84.5 cm – W 49 cm – D 49 cm - History: This type of chair was produced in High Wycombe around 1900 and distributed by Liberty Co. William Birch Ltd, which manufactured for Liberty under the direction of Leonard Wyburd, was one of the leading producers of rush-seated chairs of this period.