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 ad deveoped into comfortable armchairs and sofas that we are all used to nowadays

Examples of ancient Egyptian chairs are depicted in their hieroglyphics, and  several notable examples have survived as tomb furniture – these having been replicated to show their original splendour.    Into  post medieval tine.s 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 when the use chairs started to be more widespread   Interestingly The undisputted chair in use in the world today is Grteat Britain's Coronation chair, continuing to serve its purpose after 7 centuries of use 

It was during the 19th century, due to the increase wealth of the middle classes, there was proliferation of the use of chairs for relaxing, dining  and adornment of homes.  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.  Iconic minimalist designs for single chairs evolved using new materials.  Today the chair is still evolving whilst there has been a resurrection of post war designs

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