17th-Century Style, English Antique Oak Child's Highchair, Bearing The Initials "RCM" & Dated "1872"

A delightful English antique oak child's highchair after the original Mid-17thC example held in the collection of The Merchant Adventurers Hall, York, England.

What is The Merchant Adventurers' Hall? 

It is described as one of the finest original medieval guild halls in the world, still home to the Merchant Adventurers whose 660-year unbroken tradition of entrepreneurship, wealth, and experience has continued to build the City of York to this day: from the 14th century, via railways and chocolate to the 21st century Science City.

Merchant adventurers were members of a fraternity formed to promote and regulate overseas trade, primarily the medieval wool trade. This hall, located in the heart of York, showcases awe-inspiring architecture and offers a glimpse into York’s entrepreneurial past.

Historical Background

The hall was established around 1357 by a group of influential York merchants who sought to manage trade and support each other in business. This guild became pivotal in regulating the commerce that flowed through York, especially focusing on the lucrative wool trade. Over the centuries, the hall witnessed significant historical events, from the rise of York’s entrepreneurs to social gatherings that defined community life. The hall stands as a testament to York’s entrepreneurial past, reflecting the city’s business development from medieval times to the present day.

Architectural Features

The hall is famous for its Great Hall, where merchants would have convened. This space exemplifies medieval design, showcasing a stunning timber-framed structure and a spacious floor. The Governor’s Parlour is a modest room dominated by a large table, featuring a 16th-century fireplace and stained glass windows. The room continues to be used for functions to this day.  

The Undercroft, initially a hospital for the poor, is now used as an exhibition space for fascinating tales of the past. The walls are adorned with paintings and rare artefacts, including a collection of 17th-century furniture, including the rare highchair that our 19th-century copy is based on, and fireplaces that transport visitors back in time.

The original 17th-century Highchair (see last image)

Made in the 17th century, and inscribed "1642" to the cresting rail, and likely made to celebrate a new arrival into a wealthy family, the oak chair is also carved with the initials "FM" representing the name of the child. The initials are interspersed with carved rosettes.

The chair was given to the Company by Sir William Milner in 1958. Sir William was a Merchant Adventurer, horticulturist, architect, and Godson of Queen Mary. He was also a pioneering plantsman, establishing gardens at Harlow Carr and Parcevall Hall.

Our Chair

Made in the 19th Century as an almost identical copy to the original, the shaped cresting rail bears the date "1872" and the initials "RCM". The initials are also interspersed with carved rosettes. This chair was no doubt made both in homage to times past and also to commemorate the birth of a child. 

Peg-joined construction with mortise and tenon joints.

Below, the back support is inset with three panels. An elongated chip-carved panel over a larger central back panel decorated with an applied lozenge, and below, the third panel is of plain, elongated form.

With downswept arms over a plank seat, plain aprons, and elongated, splayed legs, the front two legs are carved at each front face with a barley-twist type pattern. Both legs are united by a shaped foot rest, and at floor level, four peripheral stretchers connect all four legs.  

Provenance - The chair was found in Norfolk, England, and may have originated from one of several copyists' workshops based on Wardour Street, London, during the 19th century.

Condition - Please refer to the images. Good overall. There is some age-related surface wear, as one would expect. The cross rail/bar that was once used and placed through the arms to secure a child to the seat has long since been lost. All joints are sound.

Size - Back 100 cm x Max Depth 40 cm x Width 37 cm