Castle chair, from the Dolphin Suite, by B. Harmer.
This elaborately carved and gilded upholstered salon chaise was copied from one of a renowned suite supplied by B. Harmer, and forms part of Classic Chairs’ Harmer Collection.
…is a 12th century castle belonging to the 9th Earl of Devon, in the south of England. The castle is famous world wide as the setting for the film “The Remains of the Day”.
The carving on the Powderham Castle chair includes unusual acanthus scrolls on the shoulders, with rosette finials to the sides, and these are also echoed round the tops of the legs. The seat frame is stylish as well, with bundled reeds tied with crossed ribbons, and, of course, the famous dolphins. These were the crest of the Earl’s family.
The luxurious feather and down cushion adds to its comfort and durability.
Historical note:
B. Harmer is a largely unknown maker of the English Georgian period. He is a mystery figure, even to furniture historians, as there is very little surviving documentation about him.
In fact, it is not even certain what The B. stands for. He is principally remembered for this magnificent drawing Room suite for Powderham Castle, and also for his work based on the designs of Thomas Hope.
He also made the well documented dining chairs for William Shepherd (d.1815) of Russell Square, London.
For more B. Harmer chairs, see Classic Chairs’ model CH-EA, The Classic Regency chair, a link below: Classic Regency Elbow Chair
Model : CH060-BH2
Dimensions (cm) : w152 d92 h97
Materials : Acacia wood
Finished : (1) Gilded (2) Wood Lacquer Finish
