Scottish Darvel Comb Back Windsor Chair
A rare late 19th century Scottish Darvel comb back Windsor chair in birch and ash, possibly made by Hugh Shields of Newmilns, Ayrshire c. 1890. The chair has a thick slab birch seat and ornately turned front arm pillars, while the turned legs and H stretcher are simpler. The chair has developed a good colour and patina where it has been handled over the years…
A rare late 19th century Scottish Darvel comb back Windsor chair in birch and ash, possibly made by Hugh Shields of Newmilns, Ayrshire c. 1890. The chair has a thick slab birch seat and ornately turned front arm pillars, while the turned legs and H stretcher are simpler. The chair has developed a good colour and patina where it has been handled over the years…
A rare late 19th century Scottish Darvel comb back Windsor chair in birch and ash, possibly made by Hugh Shields of Newmilns, Ayrshire c. 1890. The chair has a thick slab birch seat and ornately turned front arm pillars, while the turned legs and H stretcher are simpler. The chair has developed a good colour and patina where it has been handled over the years…
The Scottish town of Darvel in Ayrshire was the centre of the Scottish chair making industry in the 19th century, with three makers who left signed chairs (though many, such as this one, are unsigned). They were John McMath, J.K. Black and Hugh Shields. Shields trained with McMath and is regarded as the maker of the chairs with more elaborate turnings in accordance with the Victorian fashions of the later 19th century. If you would like to know more about Darvel chairs there is some very interesting information at www.darvel-chairs.co.uk including about how they were made.
Condition: The chair is in good solid condition, with a pleasing surface patina where it has been handled. There are a few minor scuffs and marks. The turned front arm support on the left hand arm can be twisted around, but this doesn’t appear to be causing any problems.
Dimensions:
Width - 60cm
Depth - 63cm
Height - 101cm
Seat Height - 38.5cm
Mainland UK delivery (excluding the Scottish highlands) is included in the price - if you would like a quote for delivery elsewhere, or if you would like to collect the item yourself, please get in touch. Delivery of furniture usually takes between 7 and 21 days from order, though can sometimes take longer. If you need an item by a certain date please speak to us prior to ordering and we’ll try to help. Please see our ‘How to Buy’ page for more information regarding delivery.
This is an antique item and as such may have signs of wear in accordance with its age. Anything that we think is of note will have been mentioned above, but please study the photos carefully to satisfy yourself as to its condition as it is not possible to list every little mark or flaw. We are happy to provide high resolution photographs or videos if required, and answer any questions you may have - just get in touch!
