{"product_id":"18th-century-comb-back-windsor-armchair-thames-valley-circa-1760","title":"18th‑Century English Antique Comb‑Back Windsor Armchair, Thames Valley, Circa 1760","description":"\u003cdiv data-controller=\"expandable-content\" data-expandable-content-max-height-value=\"250\" data-expandable-content-min-height-savings-value=\"50\" class=\"expandable-content expandable-content--on-small-displays-only expandable-content--expanded\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA superb \u003cstrong\u003e18th‑century comb‑back Windsor armchair\u003c\/strong\u003e from the \u003cstrong\u003eThames Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e, circa 1760 — a model of balance, grace, and regional character. This chair exemplifies the refined Thames Valley tradition, with its \u003cstrong\u003eelegantly raked back\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003etapered spindles\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003ewell‑drawn cabriole legs\u003c\/strong\u003e joined by a \u003cstrong\u003eturned stretcher\u003c\/strong\u003e of exceptional proportion.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ehigh comb back\u003c\/strong\u003e rises from a continuous hoop, the spindles finely graduated to create a light yet commanding silhouette. The \u003cstrong\u003earms are steam‑bent and perfectly curved\u003c\/strong\u003e, supported by delicate spindles that flow seamlessly into the seat. The \u003cstrong\u003eseat itself is saddle‑shaped\u003c\/strong\u003e, carved from a single block of dense elm, showing centuries of honest wear and a rich, dry patina.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis chair’s form and stance are unmistakably Thames Valley — the region’s makers were known for their precision and poise, producing chairs that combined rural strength with urban refinement. The result here is a piece that feels architectural yet intimate, with a sculptural rhythm that rewards close study.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thames Valley, England. Mid-18th-Century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e — associated with High Wycombe and Windsor workshops. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical context:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Thames Valley was the epicentre of Windsor chairmaking in the 18th century, supplying both local and London markets. Chairs of this calibre were often commissioned for gentry houses and rectories, prized for their comfort and craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ash and elm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent period condition, structurally sound and untouched by restoration beyond light conservation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deeply patinated elm with natural wear and colour movement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArms and back:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original spindles intact; minor shrinkage and surface marks consistent with age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegs and stretcher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original turnings with superb stance and integrity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry, honest finish with centuries of natural polish. A chair of exceptional survival, r\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent period condition, structurally sound and untouched by restoration beyond light conservation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deeply patinated elm with natural wear and colour movement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArms and back:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original spindles intact; minor shrinkage and surface marks consistent with age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLegs and stretcher:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original turnings with superb stance and integrity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSurface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry, honest finish with centuries of natural polish. A chair of exceptional survival, r\u003c\/span\u003eetaining its full 18th‑century presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 121 cm (47¾ in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 69 cm (27⅛ in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDepth:\u003c\/strong\u003e 56 cm (22 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeat height:\u003c\/strong\u003e 43 cm (17 in)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53838071923030,"sku":"HAF7361","price":2250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0782\/7462\/5878\/files\/Photoroom-20260503-143141.jpg?v=1779141580","url":"https:\/\/holtantiquefurniture.com\/products\/18th-century-comb-back-windsor-armchair-thames-valley-circa-1760","provider":"Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}