More about Windsor Chairs
handcrafted by George Ainley
THE WINDSOR FURNITURE from my shop is made by the same construction techniques that produced today's antiques which are now prized for their distinct character, beauty and strength. It is an ancient form in which the legs and back are socketed into a solid seat. It got its name in England and was refined in the mid 18th century colonies from Philadelphia to Boston. I have chosen from the early Windsors the best elements of design in shape and proportion. I use the traditional species of wood and keep comfort as my guide.
COMFORT FIRST! My Windsor chairs are as comfortable as a dining chair can be. The seat is deeply scooped out to fit the anatomy and the flexible back is angled to support a comfortably upright posture for dining. I have attended to ergonomic details such as chair arms that are high enough to be restful while the sitter can maintain a straight spine. For those who desire an even softer seat, a tidy, thin cushion can be fashioned with tie strings to secure it to the posts.
WINDSOR FURNITURE HAS GREAT BEAUTY; it is graceful, yet quaint. Elegant turnings, a boldly carved seat and gracefully arching bows pierced by a fan of slender spindles create a spacious silhouette. The chair captures the eye, yet allows the viewer to see through it to other features of the room.
WINDSOR CHAIRS ARE STRONG AND LIGHTWEIGHT. Many 200 year old examples are to this day sturdy and tight, the result of a brilliant application of wood technology. Species of native wood are assembled by tools and techniques that were used in the eighteenth century. Straight-grained hardwood such as oak, hickory or ash is split and shaved along the grain to make a delicate spindle that is much stronger than it might appear. White oak is strong and readily steam bent to form the bow. Pine carves well for the seat, and hard maple makes beautiful turnings.
FINISH--IN DEFENSE OF PAINT. Milk paint makes
a beautiful, authentic finish. It is not at all the thick coat
which helped give paint a bad reputation in modern times. A uniform
color enhances the striking silhouette of the Windsor style, and
will not hide the tool marks characteristic of Windsor surfaces.
Linseed oil over the paint brings up a discreet sheen and protects
the wood. The paint wears in nicely, but will not chip, as it
actually permeates the wood.
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George Ainley, Fine Windsor Chairs
666 Cady Hill Rd., Perkinsville, VT 05151
(802) 263-5217
last updated 12/29/2004