Edwardian metamorphic infants' highchair (top of backrest 1m high)- is a low rocking chair as well as a highchair with a feeding table, and a static or moving forward and back (on wheels) low chair with a play table. Its many functions made it economical in space and form - three chairs in one. Stamped with a number - the start of mass production? The footrest and table are well worn from generations of children using it. The low chair is achieved by turning the whole base forwards and up (hinges by the footrest) The large wooden play table is revealed with a copper rod on each side containing 6 sliding ceramic glossy coloured 2.5cm diam beads - 1 red, 1 green, 3 white,1 yellow. The backrest is carved with central rays of the sun and a leaf either side. The seat has holes drilled in the pattern of a star. There are 4 cast iron wheels 7.5 diam which have 4 small and 4 large hearts stamped out on each. Attention to detail in the design, combined with the turned spindles etc indicates a time of craftsmanship and quality materials when things were built to last. A beautifully made and treasured piece, which still delights the grandchildren, who attempt to squeeze into it for meaals.
Comments
Could this chair indicate the beginning of children being seen and heard as they were able to scoot around in the low position. Also the detailed design was there to delight the child - they were actually being considered by the designer
We have a similar chair in our family, although the back is not as posh, but the legs are rocker shaped so that they form a big circular arc when the chair is in the lowest rocking position. Our chair dates from at least 1888, when my grandfather was born. We know he used the chair, but don't know if he was the first child to use it.