4 Victorian Rosewood Dining Chairs Attributed to Richard Charles

4 Victorian Rosewood Dining Chairs Attributed to Richard Charles.A highly distinctive set of four Victorian rosewood dining chairs, circa 1865, attributed to Manchester designer and cabinetmaker Richard Charles (18231893). Each chair has a cartouche-shaped back with foliate carving and a stylised floral splat, above a serpentine stuffed seat upholstered in brown velvet and finished with brass studding. The moulded seat rails are centred by carved medallions, while the hipped cabriole front legs are worked with tapering carved bead decoration, giving the set a particularly sculptural quality. The design is more traditionally rooted than some of Richard Charles later work associated with the Aesthetic Movement, but the confident carving and unusual proportions are characteristic of his distinctive approach. A closely related design is illustrated in the Antique Collectors Club reference Pictorial Dictionary of British 19th Century Furniture Design. The set has real presence around a dining table, while the rosewood has developed a rich, warm colour that shows off the carving beautifully.

Dimensions: 46cm wide x 38cm deep x 43cm seat height x 80cm high at the back

Condition:Good antique condition with general knocks, rubbing, scratches and surface wear consistent with age and use. There are professional historic repairs to one of the carved backs of the chairs, including around the upper curves and splats, but the chairs remain sturdy and usable. The brown velvet upholstery shows wear, marks and deterioration around some of the edges and studding and may benefit from reupholstery depending on preference. Further age-related wear is present to the carved legs and lower edges. Please refer closely to the photographs for condition.

Delivery: 75 flat rate for England and Wales only. This is an economy service with a two-person team, delivering to a ground floor room of choice. Please contact us prior to purchase for deliveries involving stairs, restricted access, Scotland, or if an express service is required.