English Ladder Back Antique Chairs – Regional Country Furniture

Early History of Chairs
The word chair is derived from Old English chaere, which in turn came from the Old French word chaiere. In Medieval times chairs were reserved for nobility or senior members of the Church. Seating was generally very rudimentary, consisting of simple benches or stools, and the occasional three-legged chair. During the Renaissance antique chairs became more commonplace; from this time onwards, chair design progressed and changed rapidly, influenced by developments in continental Europe - France and Holland particularly.
 

Distinctive Materials and Carftsmanship
The story of English regional chairs fits into the wider history of vernacular English antique furniture. It gives us an understanding of how several diverse geographical and cultural communities crafted simple antique country furniture for everyday use.

Regional antique chairs developed their own distinctive and unique design patterns and style, clearly identifiable to the area in which they were made and their historic date, so much so that it is sometimes possible to identify the original maker.  

English regional antique chairs were largely produced during the 18th and 19th centuries. They came to be identified by several characteristics – for example, the use of locally sourced and readily available woods - ash, elm and yew were particularly popular. Antique country furniture from the regions also used traditional methods of woodworking and craftsmanship, passed down through generations – this led to subtly evolving stylistic nuances, however the overall design features were distinctly recognisable. Regional country antique chairs were also functional and durable, utilitarian in design and purpose, crafted with the realities of rural life in mind.
 

Ladder Back Chairs
Ladder back chairs (also known as slat-back chairs) are good examples of antique country furniture. The basic design became popular due to the Protestant Reformation - these chairs were plain and simple, design traits valued by the Protestants. They had simple horizontal slats across the back, resembling the rungs on a ladder. The number of slats varied, but was usually between three and five. The chairs were put together using traditional mortise and tenon joints. The classic design includes a high back and woven rush seat. In the 18th century most ladder back antique chairs were made with arms, although some were not. Some were made as rocking chairs, whilst others had rockers added generations later.

Lancashire Regional Chairs
Lancashire ladder back antique chairs are a fascinating example in their own right of regional diversification. Ash was often the wood of choice for these functional chairs - respected for its toughness and resilience. Some are distinguishable by the way their back slats were carved in a distinctive “wavy” shape. Lancashire regional chairs also usually had hand-woven rush seats. Their front legs were raised on pad feet. The front stretcher (designed to support and connect the front legs) is knopped. The back legs were carved by the wood being chamfered off, in two distinct shapes -  the top section was cylindrical whilst the area below the rush seat was octagonal.  Even within  Lancashire there were further distinguishing design marks - the Billinge/Pemberton/Wigan ladder back chairs were also designed with a bar top that has a raised crest in the centre and a finial at each end.


Industrial Change
The Industrial Revolution transformed the landscape of Lancashire and the rest of England, huge factories were built and machines powered by water and steam started the inevitable move towards mass produced and more affordable furniture.  This led to the demise of local vernacular antique country furniture, such as the Lancashire ladder back and the Billinge antique chair.


Revival and Use Today
There is now a revival in the appeal of antique country furniture and ladder back chairs. These rustic antiques are admired for their regional heritage; they connect to a tangible place and time in history. They are also respected for their individual craftsmanship - not uniform or perfectly symmetrical; there is now a strong appreciation of functional pieces of furniture where the original maker’s hand can be felt.

Antique chairs such as ladder backs are recognised as an important part of English antique furniture history and tradition, and valued accordingly. They blend in well when used individually in a contemporary setting, adding an emphasis and unique touch to a room or hallway. Alternatively, used as a set in a traditional dining room or mixed in with a contemporary kitchen they add warmth and individuality.

At Mist Antiques
To find out more about antique country furniture at Mist Antiques, explore the antique furniture seating section, where you will find more details about the set of ladder back antique chairs shown in the image.  A wonderful pair of rustic antique Lancashire Billinge armchairs will be online soon; do contact me if you would like more details.

Reference:-

• “The English Regional Chair” by Bernard D Cotton.