Low Armchair by E. Ross

The low, wide size of this mahogany Armchair by E. Ross is very unusual.

The chair breaks down in the typical Ross manner. That is to say the back legs bolt through the seat frame into the uprights of the back to secure it. The front legs pass through the seat frame to bolt into the uprights of the arms. The numbering system of 4 and 5 is also typical of Ross. The turned front legs and carved back rails are a little busier than most Ross pieces. The chair has a paper label for E. Ross which gives details not previously seen on other labels. It states that they were By Special Appointment To His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge and also gives a fuller address of 9 & 10 Ellis's Quay, Queens Bridge, Near The Royal Barracks, Dublin. Prince George was the Queen's cousin and became Duke of Cambridge in 1850. He was a professional soldier and Commander in Chief of The Forces between 1856 and 1895. So, an influential customer to have.

Although we know Ross made low Balloon Back Chairs, often called Nursing Chairs, this chair is different to any other by the company that we have seen. Its extra width may point to it being bespoke made for a large officer. As George became Duke of Cambridge in 1850 and E. Ross changed their name to Ross & Co. in 1860, this chair can be dated from 1850 to 1860.