Antique English Set of 10 Ten Ash & Elm Windsor Hoop & Stick Back Kitchen Dining Chairs (Circa 1910)

This is a fine quality antique English rustic set of 10 kitchen chairs, constructed of solid ash, elm and beech, with a Windsor hoop & stick back design, circa 1910, in excellent original condition. 

Summary:

• Item: 10 kitchen chairs 

• Circa: 1910 

• Period: Edwardian 

• Provenance: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England, UK 

• Wood: Solid ash, elm & beech 

• 10 Chairs 

• Harlequin set 

• Windsor / hoop & stick back design 

• Six stick back spindles 

• Oval ash scribe moulded back rail 

• One piece elm saddle seats 

• Turned beech legs 

• “H” stretcher supports (side chairs) 

• Solid in joint 

• Completely original 

• Fabulous grain configuration to seats 

• Excellent original colour & patination 

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland* 

• 14-day free UK returns policy 

Description:

This is a fine quality antique English rustic set of 10 kitchen chairs, constructed of solid ash, elm and beech, with a Windsor hoop & stick back design, circa 1910, in excellent original condition.  These antique Windsor kitchen chairs, are constructed with six spindles to the inside of a single piece oval shaped ash moulded back rail, supported by a two further supporting spindles at the back of the chair, for added strength.  The back rail is connected to the single piece saddle shaped elm seats and turned beech legs connected by “H” beech stretchers, which makes them a firm utility chair, ideal for daily use in the kitchen.  The stick back style of chair first originated in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England and were known as “Windsor chairs”.  The 10 kitchen chairs boast a stunning rich colour with fabulous grain configuration visible on the seats.  

This set of 10 kitchen dining chairs boasts classic English country styling; they would be at home in either a traditional or contemporary setting and they consume very little space. 

The 10 kitchen dining chairs feature a rich brown ash and elm colour. As they boast the original polish, they have a fantastic colour and patination; this can only be achieved through the years of care and cleaning they have received. 

The 10 kitchen dining chairs would look superb in the kitchen or dining room. They would certainly grace either a contemporary or traditional setting.  They are a great investment they are extremely functional.  So, don’t miss out on your chance to own a lovely piece of furniture. 

If you are looking for a different number of chairs, we do have other size sets available. 

Dimensions:

As this is a handmade harlequin set of chairs, there is a small variation in chair dimensions.  Average chair dimensions are as follows: 

External Height = 87cm / 34¼” / 2ft 10¼”
External Width = 45cm / 17¾” / 1ft 5¾”  
External Depth = 47cm / 18½” / 1ft 6½”
Seat Height = 44cm / 17¼” / 1ft 5¼”
Seat Width = 37cm / 14½” / 1ft 2½”
Seat Depth = 37cm / 14½” / 1ft 2½”
Back Height = 44cm / 17¼” / 1ft 5¼” 

History of the Windsor Chair:

The Windsor chair originated in early 18th-century England, likely evolving from rural “stick-back” chair traditions around 1710 – 1720.  Named after the town of Windsor, where they were shipped to London, these chairs feature a solid wooden seat, into which the legs and back spindles are set, a design shift from heavy, upholstered furniture.

While popular in the Thames Valley and Buckinghamshire (especially High Wycombe), the name likely derives from the town of Windsor, a key shipping hub for the chairs.  Characterised by a solid seat (often elm), spindles (back), and legs attached directly into the seat, rather than a framed structure. Early versions used “comb-backs,” with later models using steam-bent wood for bows.

Originally designed for gardens or farmhouses, they quickly moved into homes. In the 1740’s – 50’s, the design spread to America (specifically Philadelphia), where it became lighter and often used white pine or hickory.  Unlike English counterparts with splats, American Windsor chairs often featured hand-drawn spindles, tapered legs, and were commonly painted, such as in green.

During the “golden age” period of (1725-1860), they were widely produced and exported, becoming a staple in both British and American households.  The design saw renewed interest during the late 19^th century / early 20^th century.  During World War I and World War II, Windsor stick-back chairs were ubiquitous fixtures at Royal Air Force (RAF) and Royal Flying Corps (RFC) airfields. Valued for their durability and simple construction, these utilitarian chairs were heavily utilized in pilots’ dispersal huts, briefing rooms, and messes for both administrative duties and downtime.  It is commons to see “W.D” with a British Crown symbol stamped on the back of the seat or marks on the underside of the seat.

Their design was later revived and become fashionable in the 1980’s, remaining popular today for their versatility and “smart-casual” look.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windsor_chair

Source: https://wycombemuseum.org.uk/blog/what-is-a-windsor-chair

Source: https://www.themagazineantiques.com/article/object-lesson-all-about-the-windsor-chair/

Source: https://airministrybybuttons.wordpress.com/tag/raf-chair/

Source: https://www.penderynantiques.co.uk/about-the-windsor-chair/

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique English rustic set of 10 kitchen chairs, constructed of solid ash, elm and beech, with a Windsor hoop & stick back design, circa 1910, in excellent original condition.  Nominal old use marks to the leading edges (e.g., seats, back and legs) but nothing significant considering the age of them.  The chair joints have been glued and the chair frames have cleaned and wax polished by hand, to a professional standard, in our workshop; therefore, the colour and patination of the set are excellent.  This is a harlequin (matched) set and therefore there is some colour and size variation.  The chairs sit firm on the ground and do not wobble.  They are well constructed, solid in joint and ready to use. 

Terms & Conditions:

Before purchasing this item, please ensure that you have read and agreed to our Terms & Conditions of Sale.  Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns regarding these terms, we encourage you to contact us to discuss them in advance.

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