CHAIR
Datecirca 1855
Dimensions79 x 45 x 36.5 cm
Object numberHF.77.78.1
DescriptionWindsor style chair with a stylized saddle seat. The chair has splayed legs that are turned with two bamboo rings. The chair also has an "H" stretcher that is composed of bamboo-turned baluster-shaped pieces. The chair back is sloped with two bamboo turned stiles capped by a curved cylindrical crest rail it also has five spindles that are tapered at each end that are set into the seat and crest rail.Narrative
The Wilt family arrived on PEI in the early 1800s having travelled from England to the US, arriving on PEI through Nova Scotia. Barnett Wilt, a ship carpenter, became well known locally for his chairs. The earliest known Wilt chairs are considered to be of the best quality as they show considerable and delicate skill and combine a certain amount of American and Nova Scotian influence.
Wilt chairs are attributable across 4-5 generations of the Wilt family and demonstrate a continuity of style for 80-90 years. The “Wilt” style can be considered a localized evolution of the Windsor chair. Later Wilt chairs are attributed to William Batchilder, a brother-in-law to the Wilt family who continued the traditional style of chairmaking.
Wilt chairs are attributable across 4-5 generations of the Wilt family and demonstrate a continuity of style for 80-90 years. The “Wilt” style can be considered a localized evolution of the Windsor chair. Later Wilt chairs are attributed to William Batchilder, a brother-in-law to the Wilt family who continued the traditional style of chairmaking.
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