Antique Side Chair by Alfred Waterhouse RA PPRIBA (1830-1905)

Designed by the eminent Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse. Born in Liverpool in 1830 Waterhouse had a celebrated career mainly associated with the Gothic Revival movement and is most well-known for designing The Natural History Museum, London as well as Manchester Town Hall, Strangeways Prison and countless major public and university buildings in Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester and as in this case, Liverpool.

This chair was designed and made for what was originally the Tate Library in the Victoria Building of the University of Liverpool. Now an art gallery.

Dating from 1892 these chairs can be seen in original photographs of the library from that year.

Probably made either in London by Henry Capel or by Lamb of Manchester. Waterhouse used both makers to manufacture his furniture designs.

Raised on turned front legs and slightly splayed square rear legs united by an H-stretcher. The back is formed from simple turned cylindrical uprights terminating in turned finials doubling as handles. Six wavy back splats sit underneath an architectural neo-gothic arched top.

These chairs were designed to be used in the library and had two heights for different purposes, this is the taller example but it can be shortened easily to standard dining height by removing the extension blocks on the legs. The seat has been upholstered in chartreuse velvet.

It is in very good vintage condition, there is wear throughout consistent with age and use. It is a quality well-made chair, all the joints seem good and tight. There is one old restoration where one of the back legs has been secured by two dowels.

Approximate measurements 102cm high x 44cm wide x 49cm deep. The seat height is roughly 52cm.

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