This is a fine quality antique English harlequin set of four kitchen chairs, constructed of solid ash, elm and beech, with a Windsor hoop & stick back design, circa 1890, in excellent condition. 

Summary:

• Item: Four kitchen chairs 

• Circa: 1890 

• Period: Victorian 

• Provenance: High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England, UK 

• Wood: Solid ash, elm & beech 

• Harlequin set 

• Windsor / hoop & stick back design 

• Six stick back spindles 

• “V” Shape twin spindle back support 

• 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 

• Lovely mellow colour & patination 

• Free delivery to England, Wales & southern Scotland* 

• 14-day free UK returns policy 

Description:

This is a fine quality antique English harlequin set of four kitchen chairs, constructed of solid ash, elm and beech, with a Windsor hoop & stick back design, circa 1890, in excellent condition.  These strong Windsor chairs, which have been constructed in the late 19th century, 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.  Please note, Windsor stick back chairs which do not feature the “V” shape twin spindle back support on the back of the chairs, are not as strong and are prone to the backs coming loose over time.  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 four kitchen chairs boast a stunning rich colour with fabulous grain configuration visible on the seats.  

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

The four kitchen dining chairs display a mellow honey colour.  As they retain the original patination, they boast a fantastic colour; this can only be achieved through the years of care and cleaning they have received. 

The four 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. 

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.  Characterized 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 1910’s Colonial Revival and again 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/   

Dimensions:

Due to these chairs being handmade over 200 years ago, there is a small variation in chair sizes. 

External Height = 84 – 88cm / 33” – 34⅝” / 2ft 9” – 2ft 10⅝”

External Width (Feet) = 46cm / 18⅛” / 1ft 6⅛”

External Depth = 46cm / 18⅛” / 1ft 6⅛

Back Height = 43 – 45cm / 17” – 17¾” / 1ft 4” – 1ft 5¾”   

Seat Height = 43 – 45cm / 17” – 17¾” / 1ft 4” – 1ft 5¾”   

Seat Width = 37 – 38cm / 14½” – 15” / 1ft 2½” – 1ft 3” 

Seat Depth = 37cm / 14½” / 1ft 2½”

Condition Report:

This is a fine quality antique English harlequin set of four kitchen chairs, constructed of solid ash, elm and beech, with a Windsor hoop & stick back design, circa 1890, in excellent 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 been waxed polished, by hand, in our workshop, therefore, the colour and patination of the set are excellent.  This is a harlequin (matched) set and therefore there is some variation in the colour and size of the chairs.  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.

Product Code: 116689