STORY TELLER (right) Storyteller chair in Seduction Mulberry with bolster in Mineral Heather £1063 Sofa Workshop All models are: handmade in Britain - available in a choice of thousands of fabric and leathers choices - 10 year frame guarantee - made-tomeasure option sofaworkshop.com
PELIKAN armchair by One Collection Pelikan is a striking design. Its organic form is a good example of the way in which Finn Juhl has been inspired by modern ”free art”. Very comfortable and manufactured according to best craftsmanship traditions with hand-sewn upholstery. £4523 skandium.com
“in his chair.” These throne-like seats were always architectural in character, and as Gothic feeling waned took the distinctive characteristics of Renaissance work. This hierarchy continues today in the formal dining room. Armchairs are placed at each end of the table for the host and hostess, while guests sit in side chairs. In Europe, during the Renaissance the chair ceased to be a privilege of state, and became the customary companion of whoever could afford to buy it. Once the idea of privilege faded the chair speedily came into general use and began to reflect the fashions of the hour.
It is in 1636 that the word armchair was used for the first time to name the “chaise à bras”. The majority of the chairs from all countries until the middle of the 17th century were made of timber (the commonest survival is oak) without upholstery, and when it became customary to cushion them, leather was sometimes used; subsequently velvet and silk were extensively used, and at a later period cheaper and often more durable materials. The traditional fireside chair, with its high winged back, firm armrests and supportive seat was known as the wing back, easy chair or fireside chair. Wing chairs appeared in English manors
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