Antique Egyptian Revival Thebes Stool, Attributed to William Birch
A handsome Aesthetic Movement stool in the Egyptian Revival style, after the famous “Thebes” stool registered by Liberty & Co in 1884. Liberty’s design, by Leonard Wyburd, was inspired by ancient Egyptian furniture found at Thebes and now held in the British Museum.
The dished rectangular seat rests on four ring-turned legs with knob feet, joined by double stretchers. Each side is linked to the seat by turned spindles with crossed diagonal struts. This lively variation on the usual Liberty pattern gives the stool an almost architectural look. It stands taller than the more common footstool version, and the quality of construction is in keeping with the High Wycombe makers who supplied Liberty’s. It is attributed to William Birch.
The seat has been re-covered in a striking modern tapestry inspired by Kandinsky, edged with a braided gimp trim. It’s a wonderful clash of Victorian form and modernist colour, and the seat could easily be returned to traditional leather if preferred.
A versatile piece for a modern home, it works well as:
- a dressing-table or piano stool
- an occasional seat in a hallway or bedroom
- a statement piece in a contemporary interior
Details
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Period: Aesthetic Movement, circa 1885
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Maker: Attributed to William Birch, High Wycombe
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Materials: Stained beech frame with modern tapestry seat
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Size: Width 34cm x Depth 28cm x Height 60cm high
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Condition: Good, sturdy antique condition with a warm patina. Age-related wear and marks to the seat rail, consistent with age and use. All struts present. Seat recently re-upholstered in a French Kandinsky inspired Jacquard fabric.
