A good example of an original early 20th Century lady's 'Orkney' chair. So called because they were designed in such a way to shelter the occupant from cold Orkney draughts. They are made exclusively in Orkney and were developed through local island tradition using materials that were readily available.
This chair is constructed of pine with its original attractive dark stain which has began to crackle in places. The back is made from oat straw and bent grass, bound together with cord from twisted bent grass. The back is almost straight before it curves out gradually to create a comfortable seat. The arms come forward and finish in delicately carved scrolls.
The chair is in good condition for its age. It has been cleaned and lightly waxed to retain its natural aged patina. There is a small section of straw work missing from the top rail (see photos) and some other small little nicks and frays but nothing to concern us and the back as a whole is strong.
