The Windsor chair is an example of early ergonomics—deceptively simple, the dips and swells that lend such an elegant line are actually made to support and cradle a person’s frame with the utmost comfort, delighting you with support and support with each curve of wood and flourish of design.

Each chair seat starts out as a seat block of hardwood. The specific piece is chosen based on the wood grain and character. Next, the seat pattern is sketched out onto the block of wood and the rough hand carving begins. As the shavings gently curl off the rough-cut wood, the hint of a seat begins to emerge. This is carefully hand chiseled and planned to eventually form the base standard for the chair. The seat is meticulously refined until it reaches ergonomic perfection.

The legs are cut and drawn on blocks of hard maple, then hand-turned until the matched set is achieved. Precision craftsmanship results in these complimentary sets of front and back legs, paired and polished, without the use of machine duplication or the look of cheap fabrication. The legs are designed and trimmed to the exact length to comfortably sit the possessor—never too short or too long. You won’t find yourself falling into a Windsor chair, rather it will embrace you with its comfortable support.

The backs and arms are steam-bent from a single length of wood, chosen for superior strength and grain. While this process may take more time and a more exclusive cut of wood, the result is a breathtaking swoop of physics that transforms a straight and rigid line into a softly curving support. Finished in either a flat terminal or knuckled terminal, you will never “reach” for the arm rests, rather they will be there, just under the elbow, graciously encouraging you to take the load off.

The finish of each chair is selected based on individual preference, and applied by hand to bring out the qualities of the wood, the design of the chair and the taste of the owner. Every inch a work of art, Western Reserve Windsor Chairs are art works to be savored—with tea, a blanket and a good book in the living room, with china and silver in the dining room, or with the daily bustle of the kitchen. While most art must be displayed, rare is the piece which is to be physically enjoyed—so choose your Windsor Chair, and spend the rest of your life enjoying it.

R.N. Goldthwaite


Bench


Philadelphia