18C English Chippendale Shepherds Crook Armchair

About the Item

Presenting an absolutely stunning and original 18C english chippendale shepherds crook armchair. Made in England circa 1780-1800 of walnut, this ‘period’ chair is simply Gorgeous in it’s Originality! It is still covered in it’s original needlepoint/tapestry upholstery with neo-classical elements of a Greek or Roman Goddess sitting holding a staff on the back splat and floral motiff’s elsewhere. What makes this piece Truly Original is the fact that the needlepoint appears to have been signed by the original owner/maker of the tapestry and it appears to be the family name of “Tancret”. The arm rests have the most glorious ‘shepherd’s crook’ twists and turns. The central base section has what appears to be heavily carved Prince of Wales Plumes, signifying the Regency Era. The knees of the 2 front legs have the most amazingly carved acanthus relief decoration and the 2 front legs end in the best example of ball and claw feet you are ever likely to see. The back legs also have some interesting detail as the feet are platformed or hooved. Overall, the piece is in great condition for it’s age and use. There are no major tears or holes in the original tapestry. There is some discoloration but that is to be expected with a piece this old. There is a very small piece of the central front medallion (bottom left as you look) missing, but it is not noticeable and does not detract from the piece. One small stain on the back. Gorgeous natural patina to the wood. Provenance: From a Wealthy Estate in Kentucky/Tennessee Condition: Very good. See full description. Dimensions: 44? tall, 28? wide and 27? deep Seat height of 18.5? with seat depth of 17.5? and interior seat width of 22.5? Armrests are 26.25? Tall The vast movement of people that followed the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought the Tancret family name to the British Isles. Tancret comes from the ancient Norman given name Tancred. The Tanksley variant is indeed rare. However, this name traces its origin to Roger Tankerlayman who was listed in Yorkshire in 1387. Because of this political and religious unrest within English society, many people decided to immigrate to the colonies. Families left for Ireland, North America, and Australia in enormous numbers, traveling at high cost in extremely inhospitable conditions. The New World in particular was a desirable destination, but the long voyage caused many to arrive sick and starving. Those who made it, though, were welcomed by opportunities far greater than they had known at home in England. Many of these families went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Tancret or a variant listed above: Walter Tankard arrived in Virginia in 1716; William Tankard settled in Virginia in 1606; 14 years before the “Mayflower”; William Tankard settled in Maryland in 1774.

Dimensions:

Height: 44 in (111.76 cm)Width: 28 in (71.12 cm)Depth: 27 in (68.58 cm)Seat Height: 18.5 in (46.99 cm)

Style:

Chippendale (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Tapestry,Walnut,Hand-Carved,Hand-Woven

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

Late 18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1780-1800