A Primitive Naive 19th Century Vernacular Irish Stick Back 'Hedge' Chair, also Termed Famine or Fool's chair.
Description
A primitive 19th century painted Irish stick back 'hedge' chair, termed also as Famine or Fool's chair.
The chairs originate from rural Ireland where half of the population in the 18th and 19th century lived in single-roomed dwellings, demonstrating the widespread rural poverty of the time.
These chairs would have been placed around the fire as the hearth was the focal point of these dwellings. The chairs are purported to be low as often peat was burnt in the fire which emitted noxious gases.
Furniture was often painted to keep it clean and help preserve against dampness which was prevalent in rural cottages.
The chair is in robust condition for age, some wonderful period repairs. There are signs of historic worm activity throughout the piece and also at the bottom of the feet, but the chair is perfectly usable. One leg looks like it may have been replaced at some point.
Dimensions
Width: 42 cm / 16.53 inches
Height: 73 cm / 28.74 inches
Depth: 32 cm / 12.59 inches
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