A story of the development of the chair in terms of its construction and style from ancient times through to the 19th century and also its use as a symbol of power and authority in courtly ritual.  For 3000years from ancient Egyptian times,  chairs were a symbol of power and authority  It was only in the 18th century that chairs came into popular use and deveoped into comfortable armchairs and sofas that we are all used to today.

Examples of ancient Egyptian chairs are depicted in their hieroglyphics, and  several notable chairs have survived as tomb furniture – these having been replicated to show their original splendour.    Into  post medieval times chairs continued to be symbols of power through thrones, giving rise to the phrase “the seat of power” and the Judges chair in court  Until the 18th century the common people sat on benches, chests and stools.  It was then, when use of chairs started to be more widespread   Interestingly, the undisputted oldest chair in use in the world today is Grteat Britain's Coronation chair, which continues to serve its purpose after 7 centuries - see picture below.

It was during the 19th century there was, due to the increase wealth of the middle classes, a proliferation of the use of chairs for relaxing, dining  and adornment of homes.  Then the industrial revolution provided steel coil springs for comfortable armchairs and sofas.  Chippendale and a huge number of other craftsmen providing seating with comfort as well as elegance.

In the 20th century post WW II more modern design concepts replaced Victorian and Edwardian tradition  with “Scandinavian” designs and brands such as Ercole.and G Plan  Latterly, iconic minimalist designs for single chairs evolved using new materials.  Today the chair is still evolving.  Interestingly, there has been a resurrection of post war designs amonst some of  our younger generation of home builders 

Our lecturer, Janusz explores with us, the chair and its evolution through the millennia with ample illustrations and anechdotes