Porter Chair

Isn't that a stately chair? I love the shape and drama these chairs invoke. Also the privacy. These chairs go by a variety of names; porter, balloon and canopy to name a few. The porter chair has a unique history to go with its unique shape. It was commonly used in medieval times by servants who were in charge of greeting guests at the front door of the estate. To protect the servant from the elements (cold wind etc), the chair was designed to envelope the servant to keep him ensconced at his station for long periods of time in relative comfort. It allows the person to sink back, out of the wind and cold. They were usually made out of leather or velvet but these days you see modern versions made out of cane. I would like one, in velvet please.




Photo 1 & 2 via Visual Vamp