Description
This is a set of mid century dining chairs, including two ‘carver’ style armchairs, with fabric seat pads. Perfect for any living space, these beautiful chairs are probably made from teak but the manufacturer has stained them, prior to sale, to give the appearance of rosewood. Rarely found in this finish, these are very stylish dining chairs and represent a perfect example of Mcintosh’s timeless style.
Scottish furniture manufacturer McIntosh is best known on the vintage market for their mid-century style furniture, particularly for teak cabinetry and sideboards. Founded in 1869 by Alexander Henry (A.H) McIntosh (1835-1919) in Kirkcaldy, Fife. The business quickly grew in size, requiring new, larger premises just a decade later. In 1879, McIntosh bought a new factory and opened Victoria Cabinet Works a year later.
Though little information regarding McIntosh’s early designs is available, it is known that the factory—like many British enterprises—joined the war effort during the First World War. With most workers (including the founder’s grandson, Henry) called up to enlist, the McIntosh factory began manufacturing airplane wings and other parts for the duration of the war. During this time, Alexander Henry’s son Thomas Wishart McIntosh (1861–1933), headed the family business from London, where McIntosh had established an office.
Despite an aesthetic that could be mistaken as Danish modern, the company marketed itself, both at home and abroad, as a proud Scottish firm that utilized traditional processes and that employed local, highly-skilled cabinetmakers. The McIntosh label, which survives on many 1950s and 1960s pieces, shows the Scottish thistle and crown, a long-time symbol of Scotland. From 1948 until 1983, Tom Robertson worked as head designer for the firm; creating his most notable design, the teak Dunvegan sideboard (1960s) known for its sculpted handles.
These are a lovely set of chairs. The wood is in very nice condition and they are structurally sound. The fabric shows its age in one or two places so you may consider recovering the seat pads as this is easy to with this type of chair.
W53cm x D48cm x H80cm – Seat Height : 45cm
