About the Barnet Signature Chair
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Approximate Chair Dimensions (inches) |
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|
Height |
Width |
Depth |
|
|
Back |
37" |
21" |
- |
|
Arms |
24" |
24" |
- |
|
Seat |
17 1/2" |
20 1/2" |
17 1/2" |
|
Footprint |
- |
22 |
18 1/2" |
My interpretation of this very refined sack back chair is based on the body of work of Sampson Barnet of Wilmington, Delaware, and represents his work in the late 1780’s. Barnet was strongly influenced by Philadelphia chair makers and his work closely resembles that of Trumble and Henzy. His sack back chairs represent some of the finest surviving examples of this classic style.
This superior piece combines excellent proportions in the upper structure, producing a trim look balanced by full stretchers, and a generous saddled seat. Note the exquisitely carved classic knuckles, and the slim leg and arm post balusters. There are nine spindles with three short spindles on each side and a fine light bow terminating with a flare joining the arm.
When the sack-back form was introduced around 1760 it soon became the definitive American Windsor style chair. Truly utilitarian and commonly available to the general public, it was far and away the most popular chair of the hand made period. Barnet acquired his craft in and around Philadelphia, the center of sack back chair making, before and during the Revolutionary War, moving to Wilmington around 1782.