The Windsor Chair is a classic English design from the 18th century.

Legend has it that King George III (1760 -1820) was returning to Windsor Castle when he was caught in a storm and took shelter in an inn. He was so comfortable in the double bow chair by the fire that he ordered a set for the Castle

Strictly, a Windsor is any chair where the stool or bottom half is separated from the top half of the chair by the seat. Less strictly, the Double Bow Windsor Chair is a rural tradition. There are actually 3 bows. The graceful bow stretcher is said to have accommodated ladies' hooped petticoats.

Windsor Chairs require considerable hand work. A chair finished by hand is a piece of art and cannot be compared with cheap factory-made copies

The Continous Arm Windsor Chair is the ultimate design in the Windsor range. The Arm starts as a 5 feet long piece of Ash, which receives 5 bends and 2 twists.

The chair is exemplified by its dramatic grace and welcome. Its fragility is balanced by the strength generated from the tension in its structure.

This design of chair was developed from English Windsors in New England in the early 19th century. It is a masterpiece of design.

Learning to make a Windsor Chair with Kit Davidson is a one-to-one experience. The 5 day course covers spindle turning, seat saddling, stick making and steam bending. Students complete their own chair.

The course is residential and accommodation is provided in Swallow Cottage next door to the workshop. All materials and tools are provided.

The cost of the course with 6 nights self-catering accommodation for one student is £550. Full details of Swallow Cottage are at the link.

This page last modified on Friday, July 20, 2007