Did you know that the Gainsborough chair is supposedly named after a British artist and portraitist?

Did you know that the Gainsborough chair is supposedly named after the British artist and portraitist Thomas Gainsborough?

While there is no solid proof as to the origin this claim, it has long been thought that the Gainsborough chair was named such as this particular style of chair was often depicted in his paintings. Perhaps, it was the comfort of the chairs that allowed sitters to be painted for long periods. Though Gainsborough is the most common nomenclature used for this style of chair with the wide upholstered back and seat and padded arms, it has also been referred to as a Hogarth chair or as Thomas Chippendale would call them French chairs due to their open arms.

No matter what you call them, a Gainsborough chair is incredibly comfortable and is essential for any library or living room. Better yet is having a pair; but finding a pair is no easy matter. Fortunately, this superb pair of Gainsborough chairs with their original leather and wonderfully carved arms of rose and foliate design can only be found at Mill House Antiques. More than an ordinary experience.