Aesthetic Movement Ebonised Button Back Antique Armchair Attributed To E.w. Godwin

Fully-restored and reupholstered by our skilled craftspeople, this chair would be an elegant, standout piece for any home.

Attributed to E.W. Godwin, circa 1880, the exquisite Japanese-style design features a beautiful, quarter-circle, sunburst motif on its arms.  Below the seat there is a pierced apron that sits above finely-turned legs on original, brass castors.

The ebonised wood is dramatically complemented with a striking blue, four ply silk by Dedar of Milan and finished with an elegant trim (not yet shown in photographs) by Houlès, Paris.

Weeks of work were spent to restore this magnificent piece. The entire back of the chair was rebuilt and it (in addition to the seat) has been freshly padded with hessian, horsehair (hand secured with bridle ties), cotton felt and new FR cotton calico beneath the final fabric. Traditional scrim was also used on the seat and back.

Looking to Japan for inspiration, E.W. Godwin’s minimalist style was a reaction to the heavily ornate furniture styles of the mid-19th century.

Largely undecorated ebonised wood and sculptural lightness of form, all the influence of Japanese Arts and Crafts, are the key ‘signatures’ of Godwin’s pieces and echo the ideals of the Aesthetic Movement.

Godwin was not, however, limited to a singular style as he was also inspired by Gothic, Chinese, Greek, Egyptian and Jacobean furniture. Above all, his desire was to create modern, functional pieces that were also exceptionally elegant.

The prestigious Milanese design house of Dedar has been creating fabrics for homes since 1976. This family-owned company wholeheartedly celebrates the value of ‘Handmade in Italy’ with gusto.

Houlès designs and creates the finest of trimmings and fabrics. Still family-owned, the company was established in Paris, by father and son Félix and André Houlès, in 1928. The company, which began with one store at 18 rue Saint-Nicolas, is now established in over 160 countries.

Presidential residences and castles, such as le Château de Versailles, often select Houlès’ passements for their restoration projects.

We are happy to schedule a virtual viewing for this piece, answering any questions you may have, should you be unable to view it in person.  Please do call us to schedule an appointment.