Upholstered armchair, originally from a set of eight, from Burley-on-the-Hill, Rutland (one of a pair) 1684 - 1694

This upholstered armchair was crafted by Thomas Roberts around the turn of the 18th century, originally part of a set for Burley-on-the-Hill in Rutland, England. Look closely and you’ll notice the contrast between the dark, carved wooden frame and the richly patterned textile. This juxtaposition speaks volumes about the period's aesthetics, and also the labour involved in the production of such an object. The ornate woodwork, with its scrolling forms, required a skilled hand, while the fabric hints at the global trade networks that were beginning to shape the world, bringing exotic materials and patterns into English homes. The upholstery itself, painstakingly applied, offered comfort, of course, but also served as a canvas for displaying wealth and taste. Note the tactile trim, offering yet another layer of visual and textural interest. This chair embodies a fusion of craft traditions – from woodworking to textile production – all converging to create an object that blurred the lines between furniture, art, and a statement of social standing.