Exceptional Early 19th Century English Country Elm & Ash Rush-seated Armchair

Exceptional Early 19th Century English Country Elm & Ash Rush-Seated Armchair, c.1820–1840 An exceptional early 19th century English country armchair, constructed in elm and ash and retaining its original rush seat. This is a particularly fine and unusually original example, with a wonderful original surface, excellent colour and the sort of honest aged wear that only develops through long use. The chair has a beautifully dry, mellow patina throughout, with especially attractive wear to the arms, front stretcher and seat. An exceptional early 19th century English country armchair, constructed in elm and ash and retaining its original rush seat. This is a particularly fine and unusually original example, with a wonderful original surface, excellent colour and the sort of honest aged wear that only develops through long use. The chair has a beautifully dry, mellow patina throughout, with especially attractive wear to the arms, front stretcher and seat. Although a country piece, this is a chair of real quality and character. The shaped arms are finely drawn and elegant, while the back is formed with gently bent rails supporting a row of turned spindles — a lovely detail and one not typically found on plainer country chairs. The rear legs are octagonal in profile, again showing a more considered level of workmanship, and the shaped front stretcher gives the chair further presence and individuality. The grain in the elm and ash is particularly attractive, with the lighter worn areas contrasting beautifully against the deeper patinated surface. The original rush seat remains in very good usable condition and has developed a superb aged surface of its own. A rare survival in this level of originality, this is a wonderfully honest and highly decorative English country armchair, full of character, quality and original charm.