Description
A good yew wood and elm Windsor armchair, by Robert Prior of Uxbridge, early 19th century
the bow shaped back with Prince of Wales feather splats, raised on turned legs united by a crinoline stretcher, seat back bears makers stamp
Footnote
Robert Prior (1780-1853) was of the second generation of the Prior Family of Uxbridge, Middlesex. The Priors are synonymous with quality Windsor chair making and Robert Prior, who took over the running of the company from his father, is the most celebrated of the six family chair makers. The use of quality woods, bell shaped seats, and triple splats in two lengths to fit the back hoop are all characteristics of their chairs. For a detailed discussion of the Prior Family dynasty and for an illustration of this particular model, as well as other examples of chairs stamped or attributed to this workshop see Dr. B. Cotton ' The English Regional Chair ', Woodbridge, 1990, pages 36/76-80, plate 33.