Tub Chair / English Rolled Arm Barrel Chair
Seating (Accent Chair, Armchair) · Traditional / Transitional English Revival · Handcock & Moore (Hancock & Moore style custom upholstery)
Type
Seating (Accent Chair, Armchair)
Style Period
Traditional / Transitional English Revival
Material
Hardwood frame, high-density foam padding, heavy linen-blend upholstery fabric with crewel-style embroidery, turned wood legs with brass casters.
Age Estimate
Late 20th to early 21st century (circa 1990-2015)
Dimensions
Estimated height: 32 inches, width: 34 inches, depth: 33 inches. Proportions match a standard luxury club or tub accent chair.
Origin
American manufacture utilizing traditional English furniture design influences.
Designer/Maker
Handcock & Moore (Hancock & Moore style custom upholstery)
Value Estimate
Estimated retail value between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on custom fabric tiers and maker verification.
Description
This luxurious accent chair combines the classic silhouette of a traditional English barrel or tub chair with an eye-catching, artisanal upholstery choice. Featuring a continuous curved back and arms heavily tufted with deep buttoning, the chair invites relaxation. The dense, botanical crewel embroidery set against a warm neutral linen background adds a bespoke, textural element that elevates the piece from standard seating into a true statement art object.
Key Features
Continuous curved tub backrest, deep diamond button tufting, English rolled arms, botanical crewel-embroidered upholstery fabric, turned front legs with brass casters.
Color & Finish
Natural tan or taupe base fabric with ivory or off-white embroidered botanical motifs. Dark walnut stain on the visible turned wooden front legs.
Construction Method
Handcrafted frame using mortise and tenon joinery, corner-blocked for enhanced structural integrity, highly padded with deep button tufting.
Joinery & Craftsmanship
Traditional mortise and tenon joinery with heavy corner blocking, high-end upholstery alignment, and precise hand-tufting.
Wood Grain & Species
Hardwood frame underneath; visible legs feature fine-grained turned hardwood with a dark protective stain.
Surface Treatment
Smooth dark satin finish applied to the turned wooden legs; intricate embroidered surface treatment on the upholstery.
Upholstery Details
Heavy textured linen or cotton-linen blend fabric featuring dense crewel-style embroidery with floral and botanical patterns. Deep diamond button tufting along the curved interior backrest and tight seat cushion construction.
Hardware & Fittings
Cast brass caster wheels fitted to the bottom of the front turned wooden legs for ease of mobility.
Origin & Provenance
American manufacture utilizing traditional English furniture design influences.
Condition Notes
Excellent overall condition. The frame is structurally sound with no visible wobbles, and the embroidered upholstery shows clean lines with no noticeable stains, pulls, or sun fading.
Interesting Facts
Tub chairs trace their origins back to the 18th century, originally designed to keep drafts away from the sitter by enclosing them in a high, padded back and sides.
Cultural Significance
Represents the timeless interior design trend of mixing classic furniture silhouettes with statement textiles to create eclectic yet sophisticated living spaces.
Similar Pieces
Club chair, Chesterfield chair, or boudoir chair. Distinguished primarily by the curved continuous back and specialized embroidered textile rather than standard leather or velvet.
Care & Maintenance
Professional upholstery cleaning recommended for the embroidered fabric. Dust and vacuum crevices regularly using a soft brush attachment. Protect from direct, prolonged sunlight to prevent fading.
Value Estimate
Estimated retail value between $1,500 and $3,500 depending on custom fabric tiers and maker verification.
Sustainability Notes
Built with a durable hardwood frame designed for longevity, allowing for multiple re-upholstering cycles over generations to minimize waste.