Splats and Spindles: Six English Regional Chairs

For centuries, across the different regions of England, people made chairs for everyday use based on local traditions, using timber and other materials readily available in the area. The craftmanship and design that informed regional chairmaking was passed from generation to generation, and distinct features formed unique chairmaking dialects associated with each region. 

Visitors will get up close with six chairs from the Bernard and Geraldine Cotton Chair Collection and Archive, most of which have not been on display for 20 years. Each chair links to a different region, where you will learn the stories of both celebrated and lesser-known makers, discover how everyday furniture can reflect local history and gain insight into Bernard and Geraldine Cotton’s work.

This display will be installed in our Home Galleries, in the Undercroft. Plan your visit and navigate the museum with our free digital guide on Bloomberg Connects.