ANTIQUE COUNTRY LADDER AND SPINDLE BACK CHAIRS - 1700 - 1939

COUNTRY LADDER 1700-1939
Traditional ladder-back, spindle and other turned chairs were made in all parts of Britain throughout the 18th and 19thC. Although regional variations exist in the shape of turnings and so on most follow the same basic patterns. Some arts and crafts designers were influenced by the tradition and from the 1860s onwards the style appeared in more sophisticated interiors than previously. Between the wars many authentic reproductions were made of both spindle. and ladder backs; if well worn these are difficult to identify and many are sold with an earlier date. 

LADDER BACK STYLE
Ladder-backs originated in 17thC Holland. Between four and seven horizontal, usually waved, slats, sometimes curved to fit the sitter's back; with or without a turned or shaped top-rail, sitting on rather than between the I uprights.  Turned front legs (on armchairs continuous with arm supports) and decoratively turned front stretcher. Often modified version of pad foot. Always two plain side stretchers and one or two at back. Arms flat and slightly curved for comfort. 

SPINDLE-BACK
Principally from Cheshire, Lancashire and Northern England, were similar, but with square-sectioned horizontal cross rails in back enclosing arrangements of small turned spindles. Over-riding waved crest rail. On armchairs generally three rows, on singles only two.  Both types commonly had rush seats, but some had wooden seats with a raised and moulded edge. 

RELATIVE VALUES
Single ladder- and spindle-backs are still three figures but sets of eight are well into four. Same applies to 19thC adaptations, and even later reproductions.  Despite their arts and crafts appeal, single Sussex chairs are often still in two; sets cost more, but are still relatively affordable, mostly because they were made in large numbers. Distinctive, one-off designer example will be considerably more expensive.