Holt Antiques at Walsingham Mill
18th-Century Primitive Welsh Antique Yolk-Back Armchair Constructed from Ash & Elm
18th-Century Primitive Welsh Antique Yolk-Back Armchair Constructed from Ash & Elm
Couldn't load pickup availability
A wonderfully honest 18th‑century Welsh primitive stick chair, displaying all the hallmarks of early rural craftsmanship. The chair features a carved curved top rail, decorated at each handrest with punch-work "nulled" decoration, shaped spindles , and an angular elm seat, all raised on splayed stick legs — a classic regional form that predates the later, more standardised Windsor traditions.
This is vernacular furniture at its most authentic: hand‑shaped, functional, and full of character. The seat is hewn from a single block of elm, with the irregular geometry and tool marks that define true primitive work. The back spindles are individually turned and set into the rail with charming asymmetry, giving the chair a sculptural, almost folk‑art presence.
The surface is rich with age, use, and patina. It retains the warm, lived‑in finish expected of a chair that has served generations. The splayed legs give it a confident stance, and the whole piece has that unmistakable Welsh rural integrity.
A superb example of early seating — tactile, sculptural, and increasingly scarce.
Provenance: Wales. 18th-century.
Material: Ash and elm.
Condition: Please refer to the images. There is a loss and a split to the left of the seatboard. There are age-related splits to some of the spindles and two legs. There is general wear to the finish and other marks commensurate with age.
Dimensions:
Back Height:
Seat Height:
Width (outer arm to outer arm):
Depth:
🚚✈️🚢 We ship worldwide!
You can buy with 100% confidence too!
We are a member of the following 4 Professional Associations:
1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) – LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;
2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);
3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and
4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.
Wish to purchase this item?
1. Buy online via this website; OR
2. Tel: 00 44 7551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone.
Want further information about an item or wish to discuss shipping costs?
1. Email us via this website; OR
2. Email us via:
info@holtantiquefurniture.com
We will aim to respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.
🚚✈️🚢 Shipping & Customs Information
Please Note: Prices shown exclude customs clearance fees. Where applicable, these charges will be levied directly by your receiving courier, designated importer, or local government authority. These fees vary by destination and are the responsibility of the buyer. For guidance on potential charges, we recommend contacting your local customs office prior to purchase.
