A pair of early 19th century English X Frame Mahogany Side Chairs were the inspiration for another bespoke piece made for Ben Pentreath Ltd. The chairs were purchased for a client, and a third chair was commissioned to tie in and reflect the style of the period.
One of the originals was sent to the craftspeople so they could lift templates to ensure all the sizes and details were perfect. Every aspect of crafting this piece was enjoyable.
The back legs and top rail have a reeded detail and the front legs are moulded on two sides, just like the originals. The back has a curve in two directions – one runs up the back legs, the other across the X frame. These subtle curves contribute significantly to the finished product’s impact.
The chair frame was made from Poplar sourced from Northeast America, a wood with delicate texture and mellow cream to light green coloring. All the legs and rails are mortice and tenon together with a half-lap on the X frame.
The piece was finished with Farrow & Ball Brinjal No. 222 Estate colour. The upholstery was completed traditionally, using a stripped fabric with stud detail rather than green leather to match the originals.
The entire design and craftsmanship process resulted in the finished chair, which the craftspeople were pleased to have created and would be happy to replicate for future commissions.
