Description: Reclining lolling chair normally used by invalids and those suffering from a range of ailments including gout and arthritis, who found comfort in easy chairs with separate stools and specialized reclining chairs such as this example. An important addition to Historic Deerfield's collection (also relates closely to an example at Winterthur - 51.27) of both seating furniture and furnishings used to care for the sick and infirm, it enhances the interpretation of early healthcare practices. The flat top rail with rounded edge is fitted onto the sides of the adjustable reclining back with double tenons, as is the bottom rail. The sides of the back extend below the seat rails and are joined to a stretcher that fits into a curved ratchet. The arm rests are round-mortised to supports turned as Doric columns. The extended sides of the foot rest with rounded projecting front fit into ratchets contained in diagonal braces between the arm rests and seat rails. A thin board with five rows of beading is applied to the front faces of the footrest sides. Rectangular front, side and back stretchers connect the square tapered legs. The footrest is padded with Spanish moss and the back is padded with hair mixed with Spanish moss. Linen foundation covers are nailed to the footrest, seat and back; green twill tape is nailed over the back cover at the sides and top.
Subjects: Textile fabrics; Linen; Mahogany Link to share this object record: https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2004.12 |