Knole, Settee, Sofa, Aubusson, Tapestry, Wool, 3-Seat, Country House, Victorian

This settee exudes the Victorian country house style. It is unusual to be upholstered in Aubusson tapestry which is striking and gives it gravitas. It is very comfortable and designed for ultimate relaxation and draught-free protection.

The rectangular, adjustable padded back and sides surmounted by turned finials. The inside back, sides and seat cushions upholstered in a 20th century copy of an Aubusson tapestry which is hardwearing depicting floral sprays and foliage. The outside back, sides and skirt upholstered in a good quality, soft wool possibly cashmere. The edges faced with a studwork and fringe. Standing on castors. Sturdy in robust usable condition. Some wear to the front ends. English.

In the mid-19th century, upholstered settees with high backs and adjustable sides were made for large country houses. These settees were inspired by and named after a couch at Knole in Kent, the ancestral seat of the Sackvilles, which served the Dual purpose of bed and settee, and is one of the earliest examples of English, upholstered, seat furniture, thought to date from the first quarter of the 17th century. The original couch has a painted beech frame and incorporates an arm which a smaller hinged wing is attached to and moved with an iron ratchet located in the back. Even though it is named after the 17th century settee at Knole, this model is a 19th century invention designed purely for comfortable, draught free, seating with a larger hinged wing which is attached to the seat and secured by tassels and finials at the top.