Shield-Back Armchair (one of a pair) c. 1790

Editor: This is a shield-back armchair, one of a pair, manufactured by George Seddon, Sons, & Shackleton. I’m struck by how the floral details transform a functional object into something decorative. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Notice the mass-produced elements combined with hand-painted details. This chair represents a fascinating intersection of industrial production and artisanal labor. How do the materials and manufacturing techniques used reflect the social context of its creation? Editor: So, the chair's value comes not just from its design, but also from the story of how it was made and the people involved? Curator: Precisely. By examining the labor and consumption involved, we can understand the object's broader cultural significance beyond its aesthetic appeal. Editor: That makes me appreciate it even more. I hadn't considered the connection between design and labor before. Curator: Indeed, seeing art through the lens of its production offers a richer, more nuanced understanding.