Do you have a favorite piece of furniture or antique in your home?

One of my favorite pieces of furniture is a chair.  I am drawn to chairs because they can vary so much more in design than a sofa and can be a statement piece or an accent.  I have a weakness for unusual chairs. I have featured my horn chair and my peacock chair before. Now, I want to share my Chinese Chippendale chair.  I picked up this chair on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. The moment I saw it I was sold.  This particular chair has a sentimental significance for me.  I studied at Sotheby’s in London after college focusing on 17th and 18th century decorative arts.  In order to complete the course we had to write a thesis on an item at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.  I chose the Badminton Bed as it remains one of my favorite pieces of furniture ever.  

The aforementioned chair (albeit a much later version) was part of the same suite of furniture designed by John Linnell.  It has become my own little piece of history reminding me of a joyous time in London and my ever constant love of design and its constant relevance for design in the future.

Here is the history of chair…

Armchair from Badminton House from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

About 1754

The black and gold colour scheme of this chair dates from the 19th century, when it was redecorated. It was originally painted red, blue and yellow to go with the bed. The design for the chair by John Linnell shows the original colours.

Beechwood with japanned decoration (painted with layers of pigmented varnish); modern upholstery.

Designed and supplied by the workshops of William and John Linnell, Berkeley Square, London.

Commissioned by 4th Duke and Duchess of Beaufort as part of a set of eight chairs for the Chinese bedroom.

reproduction currently available by Ann Getty House Collection

My Badminton chair is an accent chair in my living room. It has a perfect black lacquer finish with gilding and an epingle fabric upholstery.  I am always drawn to black lacquer or chinoiserie anything.   Notice the similar antique Chinoserie hanging corner cabinet. 

Do you ever want to know more about design?  

I have just the place for you to learn.  It is the Decor Resource Center at One Kings Lane.  OKL is not only a terrific shopping source but a decorative arts history resource.  There are so many great articles.

Want to know more about my peacock chair?  Here is an article.

Mid-Century Modern is your current passion?  Learn more here.

I am watching a few beauties on OKL right now.  

1950’s Velvet Armchair

Mid-Century Dining Chairs

James Mont-Style Armchairs 

Be sure to spend a little time educating yourself over at One Kings Lane in their Decor Resource Center.  It will certainly help you be a wiser shopaholic, like me.