Images(2)

Windsor Armchair

Date1770-1785

Artist/Maker William Cox

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumAsh, hickory, white, maple, and paint

DimensionsOH: 46 1/2", H to seat: 18", OW(seat): 21 3/4", OD(seat): 16 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1966-386

Description"Fan-back" Windsor Armchair: Yoke-shaped cresting rail with scrolled ears; conforming back made up of nine spindles which extend through horseshoe-shaped arm; arm terminates at either side in shaped knuckles and is supported by three short spindles and a baluster turned member on either side; shaped saddle seat with broad, incised line encircling spindles; four baluster turned legs flaring outward; one medial and two side bulbous turned stretchers. Remnants of old blue green paint on legs.

Woods: Cresting rail: ash, Back spindles and arm rail: hickory, seat: white pine, legs, stretchers and baluster turnings under arms: maple
Label TextPhiladelphia was the first center of Windsor production in America beginning in the 1740s. Francis Trumble advertised in 1775 that he had 1,200 Windsors for sale. Not all of the chairs were assembled in his small shop at the same time, however. Chairmakers stockpiled parts, purchasing legs and spindles from turners, and finishing the chairs when needed. Many were exported to other cities, some as finished products and others as parts to be assembled on arrival.

William Cox trained with Philadelphia turner and spinning-wheel maker John Shearman during the early 1760s. After completing his apprenticeship, Cox continued to make Windsors for such prosperous Philadelphians as John Cadwalader and Stephen Girard.
MarkingsStamped "W.Cox" twice under seat.

Exhibition(s)