Confessions of a Chair Addict
Yes, I admit it, I am addicted to chairs.
Wooden chairs. Eastlake, Pressed Back, Spindled, Caned, Rockers. If it's made of wood and I can sit in it, I want it.
I don't know why. Other than my mother is also a chair addict. We have been known to go out together on a chair high to get our fix.
My most recent chair deal went down over Labor Day weekend. My mom and I were out antiquing when suddenly these 2 caned chairs beckoned me over to take a closer look. I couldn't resist. After I sampled both chairs, I put my money down and they were mine.
This was the chair that started my decline into chair addiction. It was in serious need of TLC. I learned caning, and restored it to it's original glory. After that, I knew I was hooked.
For awhile back in the 80's, I had a dealer up in Wisconsin in the back woods. I would go behind the trailer where he kept the chairs. Chairs were cheap back then. I could get some great stuff for $5 a pop.
This chair I spotted at the curb on garbage collection day. My husband (and enabler) grabbed it and we ran. One of these days I'll refinish it. I like my chairs in their natural wooden state. Not painted.
I have inherited 9 chairs from my grandmother. The chairs on the left we used to call the hot dog chairs. Guess why.
This poor chair still needs a lot of help. That bright yellow paint has got to go.
Labels: Antiques, Collections, Furniture
17 Comments:
You have a fantastic collection of chairs!! I LOVE them!!
I am drawn to chairs too but lamps are my true weakness!!
Hugs,
Debbie
I'm guessing the top chair is
East Lake. I would buy that
yellow chair and paint a ship on that top slat. Great post, you always have something of intrest. TV is saying we are open for Terriorist attacks again. How did this world get to this state.?
what can we do/
yvonne
Those are all great chairs and I love the old photos! Especially the m.i.c.k.e.y ears! Never enought chairs, or small tables, or picture frames, or etc......
Have a great one!
machelle
I love your collection of chairs! I'm a chair addict myself; whenever we go into an antique shop my husband always jokes with me because I usually go right for the chairs first (followed by vintage linens!). I fell in love with a chair I saw at a shop that sells items from estate sales and since it was right before my wedding, my sister and brother went back and bought for me as a wedding gift!
My grandparents had two beautiful black walnut pressed back rockers with the leather seats; they had them in their farmhouse kitchen for many years. I wanted them so badly after they sold the farm, but one of my cousins snatched them up!
You have some very nice chairs there!
I don't know of a support group for chair lovers...but I have the same addiction.
There's just something about a chair!!
Especially these older ones.
God bless,
d from homehaven
Hi Debbie-
Don't get me started with lamps! I love those, too! But it's really the chairs that are multiplying and taking over the house! :-)
- Pam
Hi Yvonne-
You're right, the top chair is Eastlake. I didn't hear about possible terrorist attacks, but I guess it has always been that way, even before 9/11. We are vulnerable because we are so free and open. Try not to worry about it. Not much we can do.
-Pam
Hi Machelle-
Yeah, we used to watch the Mickey Mouse Club in our little chairs wearing our Mickey ears! You're right about the picture frames and small tables, too. More addictions to overcome! :-)
- Pam
Hi Katie-
That was a great wedding gift from your brother & sister! Too bad you couldn't get your grandparents' chairs. My grandmother's chairs are not my style (she liked early American and I like Victorian), but they are good quality and remind me of my youth.
- Pam
Hi Deanna-
Thanks! If I hear of a support group, I'll let you know. :-)
-Pam
Hi Pam,
I can't say that I am a chair collector the way you are, but I do have strong leanings towards upholstered chair (there's that fabric connection again). I feature them in my paintings, so, they kind of become mine.
You have a lovely collection.
Anyès
XX
Hi Anyès-
Thank you. I guess we all have something we're passionate about. Your love is fabric, mine is chairs (and wood in general). As long as we all have a passion, I think that's what makes life interesting!
-Pam
A support group, funny, your normal, I do believe you are not alone Pam. I love chairs as well, I have a weakness for doll chairs....but nothing beats lace/crochet. Your chairs are really great, and if you have alot of company,,your ready!
*oxo*
Marcie
I wasn't trying to be Victorian but I suppose I am; I also kind of like Arts and Crafts and other stuff too. Coincidentally I am named Victoria.
I also collect chairs -- a fair number of old chests of drawers too, but especially chairs. I can't describe why but I can't pass one up and I feel an urge to rescue each one. I suppose I feel bad about how so many people only want sets, while I find them so beautiful when similar styles are grouped together. I love chairs that are different but have silhouettes that go really well together. (I notice you have a lot of compatible silhouettes in your collection as well.)
Anyway, I thought it was funny that you wondered if there are others like you. I thought I was the only one like that.
Victoria
PS My basement looks so much more bearable now that I finally have them all hanging off the ceiling beams! I love standing there and looking at them, wondering which to refinish next.
Hi Victoria-
Maybe we are long lost twins! I'm glad I've now found another chair addict. We're also alike because I don't like sets, either. I love your concept about similar silhouettes! I'd love to see all your chairs hanging in your basement, waiting to be refinished.
We should start a support group. :-)
-Pam
Hi Pam,
I hope you are well.
I could have sworn it was your blog where I saw mention of the Eastlake book on household taste. I was wondering whether to get a copy; I recently acquired an older, ornate Arts and Crafts mirror frame with hand-carving and the entire center-top "crown" detail missing! It's 38" by 45". I don't quite know how to go about restoring it so I need to start researching styles. I'd hate to see this wasted. After I finish my thesis I'm thinking of taking a class in woodworking, though it'd be really ambitious project to do oneself.
Well, I only just had time to think about it-- back to work now!
Take care,
Victoria
Hi Victoria,
You're probably referring to Charles L/ Eastlake's "Book of Household Taste." It's a great book for learning how the whole movement got started in the 19th century, but doesn't have the best illustrations for what you need to get your mirror restored.
I would take a few pictures and detailed measurements to a few antique dealers. Dealers often find "missing" pieces that have been removed or separated from original antique pieces. They would have the best sources for finding a great match for your piece. I think it might be a bit of a challenge for a beginning woodworker to carve in such detail, and the modern wood just isn't the same as the original old woods used. I hope this helps... good luck!
-Pam
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