Antique mahogany gothic hall bench

Price: £1150.00

Description: I have described this antique mahogany gothic bench as a hall bench, because it perfectly suits that purpose and is a more familiar term. However, a more accurate description would be a gallery bench. When this bench came into stock it was obvious that the angle of the bench's seat had been adjusted. To begin with we were baffled, but it was a chance visit to the V & A (prior to its recent refurbishment) that solved the riddle. Our bench is identical in design to the original benches that were once in situ in the Raphael Gallery. So, our question was answered, either it used to form part of the original seating in the gallery, or alternatively, it was made as a small manageable prototype for the much larger benches that I encountered on my visit. The Raphael cartoons, which are some of the most important surviving examples of Renaissance art in the world, form part of the Royal Collection and have been on loan to the V & A since 1865. The Raphael Gallery was commissioned to house the collection. However, these extraordinarily large works on paper could only be viewed properly when sited high up on the gallery walls. Standard benches for the viewing public would not be suitable, so new ones that leant slightly back had to be designed. You can clearly see on the attached images how the bench we are selling has been levelled for domestic use, but originally it leant back. The work to level the seat was undertaken a long time ago with similarly grained mahogany, blending the old with the new extremely well. We have sensitively restored this gallery bench, leaving a surface and colour that is indicative of its age and past. It is comfortable, which is not surprising as it was designed for contemplative visitors. A rare and well-made antique gallery bench of simple Gothic design, perfect for everyday use as a hall bench or window seat. (Apologies, the image clearly showing how the seat was levelled is currently missing but it will be retaken and uploaded tomorrow). Measurements - 94 cm high x 76 cm wide x 53 cm deep

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