30/08/2026
‘Endangered species alert’! One of the more idiosyncratic and stylish of English ladder back chair designs from the early / mid 19th century. The design is believed to have emanated from Macclesfield in Lancashire and stamped examples exist by the ‘Leicester’ family who had a family chair making workshop in the town between 1816 and 1860 (See Dr B. Cotton ‘The English Regional Chair p366). The unusual turned top rail with its ‘beehive’ ends is thought to owe its design to part of a silk weaving press, known as a ‘picking stick’. ‘Endangered’?…partly because they were only made in relatively small numbers compared to other more common styles of ladder back chair and because of their relatively ‘delicate’ form…now even more ‘endangered’ than ever due to the cost of re-rushing. The Macclesfield ladder back….24 in stock in various states of repair…. as well as Wavy ladders, Billinge Wigans, Spindle backs, Windsor chairs etc
