How to identify a Morris chair? You can identify it through its reclining back and high armrests. These give the chair an old-style look. There is a hinged back with two un-upholstered arms in a Morris chair.
Besides, there are rows of pegs and notches that adjust the reclining angle of the chair. You can identify its authenticity by looking for such features. Nowadays, some amateur artists are producing replicas of this Morris chair. As a result, people end up buying the fake Morris chairs.
Purchasing a Morris chair means breaking the bank as it costs a hefty price. And we want our huge investment to be worth it. For this reason, I have come up with a valid guideline to help you out so that you can make the right purchase of a Morris chair.
Instead of causing any further delay, let’s see how we can identify the chair’s authenticity.
Introduction To The Morris Chair
A Morris chair is none other than a reclining chair. In 1866, the William Morris Company in England executed the production of Morris chairs.
Later on, a furniture maker named Gustav Stickley increased the production of Morris chairs. He liked the mission style of this chair very much, and for this reason, he produced the chairs of this style.
Since the chair is highly decorative, it became popular day by day. This Morris chair took the place of the Art and Craft movement’s icon. Yet, these Morris chairs are manufactured today in a high range.
Ways To Identify A Morris Chair (Top 7 Methods)
Unless you research the Morris chair, it would be hard to identify its actual style. A book named, “Arts and Crafts (DK Collector’s Guide)” can help you to know about the original Morris chair.
There are some websites too where you can get information, like- The Arts and Crafts Society and The William Morris Society.
Look For The Materials:
Morris chairs are usually made with an influence of Victorian. Their first ingredient is dark-stained oak with a clean-lined work.
Besides, you will get to see a reclining back with a decoration of spindles in this chair. The cushioned armrests are also a point to be noted.
Gustav Stickley made the later Morris chair a bit different. Those chairs have simple and heavy arms which are perfect for supporting a person’s back and arms. This looks like a wide paddle in shape.
Alongside, the square slats give enough support to the chair. Whereas, the early Morris chairs have upholstered wool tapestry, and their cushions are sewn.
Well, most of the Morris chairs have upholsteries leather with salt below the armrests.
See The Unique Features:
A Morris chair works like an armchair with a high armrest and a high back. Unlike the early models of the Morris chair, a newer model features flexibility, and its cushion can be changed anytime.
The reclining back of the modern Morris chairs works like a predecessor.
Can Make You Spend A Hefty Price:
Morris chairs are usually hard to find. So it’s obvious that you will have to spend a bundle to purchase it.
The chairs made by Gustav Stickley are especially high in price, like $17000. Well, it’s not the fixed price, the price can differ based on different conditions.
Like- as the design, age, seller’s evaluation, and so on. Since you are going to make such an expensive investment, make sure you opt for the real one.
Search The Labels:
The Morris chairs have decals or labels where the manufacturer’s name is written. You may get to see the engraved names of the makers.
You must ask for additional certificates and information that prove the authenticity of that particular Morris chair.
The variations of the Stickley Morris-style chair can be a bent arm, flat arm, or bow arm. If you think that there is only one type of Morris chair, then you are wrong. An authentic Morris chair does come in different forms.
Inspect The Reclining Mechanism:
Morris chairs usually come with a low-tech reclining mechanism. The back of it remains hinged to support the seat bottom. And it is possible only because of the bar or pegs interested in the arms’ holes.
The Chair’s Structure Should Be Unique:
A Morris chair is none other than an antique piece. Before you step to purchase it, look at its back, sides, and bottom carefully.
The handmade Morris chairs usually have cuts and nicks on their surfaces. The cuts mainly appear because of the drawknife, spokeshave, or plane. Most of the old pieces of Morris chairs straight saw marks.
You may also get to see that the marks are arc-shaped. This type of cut appears because of the circular saws. It was produced after 1860.
Consult With An Expert:
Consulting an expert would be the best thing to be sure about a Morris chair’s authenticity. Some professional appraisal organizations are providing certified appraisers of branded chairs. The American Society of Appraisers is one of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Value of The Morris Chair High?
As said before, the Morris chair is an antique piece. It is approximately 100 years old. The common price of this chair would start from $500 or $700. And some Morris chairs can even cost $1700.
Who Is The Maker of Morris Chairs?
In 1860, Ephraim Colman first designed the Morris chair. He is a carpenter in England. Then Philip Webb got all the design and details of this chair.
He was the founding member of the Morris, Faulkner, Marshall, and Company. Later on, this group was named Morris and Company.
Do Morris Chairs Have To Block Printing?
Morris chairs come up with block designs and prints. However, William Morris, the maker of Morris chairs wanted to use such colors that won’t run out easily.
After a lot of research, he found durable colors to use as natural dyes. He found them in fabrics and medieval tapestries.
How To Identify An Antique Chair?
Many major auction houses can tell you about the value lookups of an antique chair. Such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s.
Again, some websites offer valid information about the events and antique appraisals. A website name, Antique Trader would be a good platform to browse those antique chairs.
Final Thoughts
So we have transpired enough about the Morris chair’s authenticity. Yet, if you are wondering how to identify a Morris chair, look for its reclining features, armrests, and label. Then you must check the materials, design, style, and so on.
If you are thinking of buying a Morris chair, let me tell you that it’s going to cost a lot, around $1700. Well, the cheapest Morris chair can be found for $500 or $700. Last, I would say that I, do proper research about the Morris chair and visit the mentioned websites.
This is all. Let us know if you have any queries. Thank you.
Hi,
This is Sondip. I am a professional writer who has spent many years writing articles about chairs.
I write about everything from the most luxurious seating to the most affordable options, with a focus on what makes each chair different and compelling in its own way.
I have a passion for sharing information about different types of chairs, and I hope to help you share the same passion.