18th Century FurniturePage 1
Chairs with drop-in upholstered seats were both practical and cheaper than those with fixed upholstery. The chairs shown here were known as 'India-back' chairs because the form of the back was derived from a Chinese design. At this time, the term 'India' might be applied to any object which was imported from the Far East or was made in imitation of Indian or Chinese work. This pair was made by Old and Ody, whose trade label survives on the underside of one of the chairs. Their shop was in St Paul's Churchyard, which was one of the centres of the London furniture industry.
Enlarge
Pair of 'India-back' chairs, made by William Old and John Ody, c. 1725; walnut with upholstered drop-in seats.
© Geffrye Museum
© Purchased with the assistance of the Art Fund, the MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of the Geffrye Museum