Primitive Vernacular Milking Stool

An extraordinary primitive milking stool, with a striking sculptural presence, being formed of a thick sycamore top which was once part of a larger piece, and three legs of which two have probably been historically replaced at some point. 

One of the definitions of vernacular furniture is the use of materials locally found to make a form typical of traditional use in the locality, and this piece assembled, repaired, adapted and used for years certainly fits the bill! Two legs have old pieces of wadding added underneath to fit them firmly into the top, and one of the legs has a chunk of iron inserted into the top to firm the joint. 

Normally we would be tempted to clean and wax a piece like this to accentuate the character of the wood, but in this case it’s left as found, including some straw mud on the legs underneath! 

Originating from North Wales, and certainly beginning its life in the C19th if not earlier.