Exercise chair

Date1780-1800

MediumMahogany, leather, iron

DimensionsOH; 4'; OW: 2'4"; OD: 2'

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1973-369

DescriptionExercise chair consisting of a rectangular, leather upholstered seat comprised of four boards with springs between them covered in leather with brass nails tacked around the perimeter of each board, the top board padded as a seat, flanked by flat arms with scrolled arm terminals supported by two columnar supports with two additional boards at center creating a track through which extends a knob attached to the upper portion of the leather covered seat; seat and arms are supported by a rectangular stand with a straight skirt and four short square legs; a fifth leg centered along the front is attached to a slide with a brass bail and rosette handle that pulls out from the skirt to create a step or platform for the sitter's feet.
Label TextOne of the most unusual furniture forms is the "Chamber Horse" or exercise chair. Made in England about 1770, it is almost identical to a design for a similar chair is in Thomas Sheraton's "Drawing Book," published in 1793. The intended purpose of the chair was to provide exercise, as well as to improve the riding technique when inclement weather prohibited more conventional horseback riding.
Inscribed"Marke" in chalk and "B" in pencil on bottom board.