Lot 599
A 19th century polished steel R.W. Winfield & Co. patent rocking chair Birmingham, England
Auction: 26 September 2007 at 11:00 BST
£1,080
Description
the rectangular back above downswept arms forming the rocking base, with black hide slung seat and padded arms, the cross rails secured by bronze nuts
Dimensions
62cm wide, 107cm high, 90cm deep
Footnote
Note: A similar chair was exhibited at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and again at the World Expo in 1862.
The revolutionary plain form of this rocking chair contrasted with the 'High Victorian' ornamental style of the period and even today it has a very 'Modernist' appearance.
The design is often attributed to Peter Cooper 1791-1883 ( a New York inventor and founder of the Canton Iron Works in Baltimore).