Mahogany Early Georgian Reading Chair

Mahogany Early Georgian Reading Chair

c. 1755-1790

ERIC PEARSON
1964
leather, mahogany, porcelain, brass

H 2 7/8 in. | W 2 3/8 in. | D 2 in.
H 7.303 cm | W 6.033 cm | D 5.08 cm


1997.157
Gift of the Eloise Kruger Charitable Trust

This gentleman's reading chair and other straddle chairs of similar fashion were popular in mid 18th century England. Some also contained a pull-out book rest at the head of the chair or pull-out candle holders at the chair arms.

The drawer featured in this chair seat could be used to contain a book, spectacles, writing implements, or any other devices related to the chair's purpose. This one contains a shallow porcelain bowl

Eloise Kruger commissioned miniature artist Eric Pearson in 1963 to reproduce this chair from an illustration in F. Lewis Hinckley's A Directory of Antique Furniture (New York: Bonanza Books, 1953).

She planned this piece for her gentleman's library, composed of other Pearson pieces including a breakfront bookcase, library steps, leather-paneled pedestal desk, and architect's table.