Spindle Spool Bobbin Chairs: A Journey Through Time
Duhome Furniture .
Mar 14, 2024
Are you captivated by the timeless charm of classic furniture just like us? Have you ever pondered the intricate craftsmanship, historical lineage, and evolutionary journey of your favorite pieces? Today, we delve into the fascinating history, definition, and contemporary adaptations of an iconic furniture piece - the spindle spool bobbin chair.
Conversely, the 'spool chair', also known as the Cromwellian chair, features a more robust design. It earns its name from the spool-like segments comprising its legs and other parts. These larger, ornately designed segments render the chair a heavier and more decorated appearance than its 'spindle' counterpart.
The Bobbin chair had its inception in the 17th Century in Northern Europe. The late 19th Century witnessed an increase in production with the advent of the machine lathe. Factories began producing long lengths of turned wood designed to be cut into individual spools for winding thread. Also, the 19th-century cottage style brought about a transformation with less pronouncedly turned, lighter pieces.
Ultimately, the spindle spool bobbin chair, a timeless piece of furniture, weaves a narrative of craftsmanship, innovation, and evolution. From its modest roots in the 17th century to its modern-day interpretations, this enduring furniture piece continues to charm us with its classic allure and adaptable design. It stands as a testament to the timeless nature of some designs, proving that they are, indeed, here to stay. So, the next time you admire a spindle chair, remember—you're not just looking at a chair, but a piece of history!
The Birth of Spindle Spool Bobbin Chairs
Our narrative commences in the late 16th and early 17th century, a period marked by the Elizabethan and Jacobean furniture styles. Amidst this epoch's grandeur, the spindle accent armchairs—alternatively known as turned or thrown chairs—made their debut. Noted for their unique, axially symmetrical design, these chairs were symbols of refinement and elegance across England, New England, and Holland.The Spindle: A Testament to Artistic Craftsmanship
In furniture parlance, 'spindle' denotes a cylindrically symmetrical shaft, predominantly crafted from wood. This spindle, often embellished with axially symmetric decorations, was meticulously hand-carved or shaped with a lathe. Originating from 17th century Western Europe, this design element was frequently incorporated into chair and table legs, stretchers, candlesticks, balusters, and other cabinetry elements.The Timeless Charm of the Spindle Chair
Are spindle chairs still relevant, you wonder? Absolutely! If you're contemplating a makeover for your dining space, the spindle chairs make excellent candidates. The spindle dining chair, typified by its spindle back, is a perpetual embodiment of classic elegance. Thanks to their adaptability, spindle back chairs have earned a permanent spot in numerous farmhouse dining rooms, effortlessly complementing both traditional and modern settings.
Distinguishing between Spindle, Spool, and Bobbin Chairs
While the terms 'spindle chair', 'spool chair', and 'bobbin chair' are often used interchangeably because of their analogous construction methods and shared heritage, they do possess subtle differences. The 'spindle chair' is distinguished by its back, composed of several slim, turned rods or spindles. These symmetrically shaped spindles lend the chair its unique silhouette.Conversely, the 'spool chair', also known as the Cromwellian chair, features a more robust design. It earns its name from the spool-like segments comprising its legs and other parts. These larger, ornately designed segments render the chair a heavier and more decorated appearance than its 'spindle' counterpart.
The Bobbin Accent Chair: A Nod to Rustic Elegance
The 'bobbin chair', a variant of the spool chair, gained popularity in the English countryside style, with its turned legs designed to mimic a sewing bobbin used in textile manufacturing and can be fashioned from wood, metal, or other materials. The legs of a bobbin turned accent chair are typically turned into a bulbous shape, creating a more rustic and solid appearance compared to the sleeker spindle chair.The Bobbin chair had its inception in the 17th Century in Northern Europe. The late 19th Century witnessed an increase in production with the advent of the machine lathe. Factories began producing long lengths of turned wood designed to be cut into individual spools for winding thread. Also, the 19th-century cottage style brought about a transformation with less pronouncedly turned, lighter pieces.
Spindle Spool Bobbin Chairs: Evergreen Furniture Pieces
In summary, while all three chair types share a common thread in their history and construction, each boasts its unique characteristics and allure. Whether it's the unpretentious elegance of the spindle chair, the ornate craftsmanship of the spool chair, or the rustic sturdiness of the bobbin chair, each has a story to share and a style to bestow.Ultimately, the spindle spool bobbin chair, a timeless piece of furniture, weaves a narrative of craftsmanship, innovation, and evolution. From its modest roots in the 17th century to its modern-day interpretations, this enduring furniture piece continues to charm us with its classic allure and adaptable design. It stands as a testament to the timeless nature of some designs, proving that they are, indeed, here to stay. So, the next time you admire a spindle chair, remember—you're not just looking at a chair, but a piece of history!