Thomas Jefferson used one. So did Mark Twain. Probably a few other people as well, since this little piece of history has been in existence since the 18th century (well, not this particular one, of course, or otherwise it would be reflected in the price) The writing armchair is a cousin of the more recognizable schoolchair, but there are subtle and critical differences. Notice that the tablet arm accommodates easy sitting as it does not extend in front of the chair. That is a subtle difference. Notice also that the price--$65--reflects a vintage piece of literary history as opposed to a $10 plastic schoolchair. That is a critical difference, and one that works well in my favor.
I wish I knew more of the assuredly fascinating story behind this whimsical chair. I do know a few facts about it: it was at Goodwill, I bought it, wrenched off the stained and tattered blue mock velvet seat, and did a whole lot of stripping, sanding, priming, painting, distressing, and recovering. The bits and pieces of the story still missing will have to be filled in by the imagination. I imagine it was probably used at one point by Jane Austen as an alternate writing chair. No doubt Jane sat here dreaming up Mr. Darcy in cheerful abandon. So considering its possible history, this price is even more of a steal.
This chair is gleaming with a slightly softened white color scheme and no glazing to keep that fresh, clean look. There's a perfect little compartment under the seat to house your monogrammed stationary for daily correspondences. Beware, left-handed writers--this piece is a little hard to use. Also beware to right-handed writers who would think about using this for anything other than an amazing statement piece--it's a little cramped to write a novel on. Stick it in your entryway and stack some insightful books or a telephone on the arm. Mark Twain probably used a larger version. To keep the vintage from screaming precious vintage, I replaced the cushion and reupholstered the seat in a modern, bold pattern to give this chair a truly vintage chic appeal. Thanks for looking!--$65
I wish I knew more of the assuredly fascinating story behind this whimsical chair. I do know a few facts about it: it was at Goodwill, I bought it, wrenched off the stained and tattered blue mock velvet seat, and did a whole lot of stripping, sanding, priming, painting, distressing, and recovering. The bits and pieces of the story still missing will have to be filled in by the imagination. I imagine it was probably used at one point by Jane Austen as an alternate writing chair. No doubt Jane sat here dreaming up Mr. Darcy in cheerful abandon. So considering its possible history, this price is even more of a steal.
This chair is gleaming with a slightly softened white color scheme and no glazing to keep that fresh, clean look. There's a perfect little compartment under the seat to house your monogrammed stationary for daily correspondences. Beware, left-handed writers--this piece is a little hard to use. Also beware to right-handed writers who would think about using this for anything other than an amazing statement piece--it's a little cramped to write a novel on. Stick it in your entryway and stack some insightful books or a telephone on the arm. Mark Twain probably used a larger version. To keep the vintage from screaming precious vintage, I replaced the cushion and reupholstered the seat in a modern, bold pattern to give this chair a truly vintage chic appeal. Thanks for looking!--$65
It's my chair! Lovely, Charis. I only wish we didn't live in a fully furnished cave right now.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I love your fabric choice!
ReplyDeleteTelephone table: Used in foyers and upstairs halls so that you didn't have to stand to talk. Some have slots to store note taking materials in. Remember most phones after the 30's were hangers/rotary style and sat on something, they didn't hang.
ReplyDelete