Historically the best versions of these vernacular chairs were made by skilled local craftsman using indigenous timbers.
The late-18th or early-19th century ‘lobster-pot’ chair shown is made from ash with an elm seat and turned birch front arm support.
Retaining traces of its original painted finish, it is unusual for a decorative top rail, though other examples are known. It is among the 30 stick chairs illustrated in the new publication and is also available to buy priced at £7800.
The authors hope to raise awareness and appreciation for these classic examples of Welsh folk design. They have included details of where examples of stick chairs can be found in UK museums and galleries along with a bibliography and further sources.
The front cover of 'The Welsh Stick Chair – A Visual Record'.
As well as drawing connections between the chairs and other historic furniture, such as ‘cricket’ tables and stools, there are two contemporary stick chairs, demonstrating the ongoing interest in the craft.
Copies of the book, published by Pethe Press, are available for £20 from the dealership’s website.
