An English Victorian Arts & Crafts period Bobbin turned bench

Antiques : Furniture

 

A rare and unusual English Arts & Crafts period bobbin turned bench with rush seat and high sides.

Circa 1860-1880.

H: 27 in W: 20 1/2 in D:14 in

The bobbin turn, has been used by English furniture makers since the 16th century. It is created by placing a long piece of wood on a lathe and then using various chisels to cut out the desired design.

The bobbin turn was used by Arts & Crafts designers, in particular William Morris and Philip Webb, who admired the craftsmenship of this medieval cabinetry technique. Ernest Gimson (1864-1919) also designed a range of bobbin turned furniture which he manufactured himself and also used Edward Gardiner.

This piece is quite an unusual find because it is more common to see low, small corner chairs or full height chairs using this technique, and we have never seen another bench in this form.

Please note: This piece is currently in England and having the seat re-rushed (as it is damp and perished).

Kimberly Gray lives in London and sells antiques via Ruby Lane and the shop, London Market at 5029 West Lovers Lane in Dallas Texas.

Kimberly Gray is the author of The London Antiques Guide, Street by Street, Style by Style (available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Thames & Hudson) which is the ultimate guide for anyone wanting to spend as little as one day shopping for antiques in London. With London divided by area and organized by decorative style including Georgian, Art Deco and Mid-century Modern, the guide also suggests off-the-beaten-path sights and where to eat.

Kimberly offers tailor-made antique buying trips in London, the countryside and the South of France. From one day to a week, with one person or small groups, please feel free to contact us about this bespoke service via our website, london-antiques-guide.

Item ID: 238