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Stools of this kind were called ‘joint’ or ‘joined’ stools, because they are made using mortise and tenon joints. This was a technique used by joiners to link the parts of furniture using a tenon, or pared-down end, which slotted into a mortise, or rectangular hole. It would then be locked in place with wooden pegs. Stools were the most common form of seating. More expensive stools, especially those made for bedchambers, were covered with upholstery which might match the bed hangings.

This example has a wooden seat and is well-made. The legs were shaped by turning on a pole-lathe, after which further decoration was carved; the carving on this example is unusually elaborate. Stools would have been particularly useful with ‘draw’ tables, which became popular around 1600. These had extra leaves that could be 'drawn' or pulled out, to increase the size of the table top.

On loan to Lamport Hall.


Oak joint stool, the seat with a simple moulded edge; the legs are turned with carved decoration. The single-piece top is held to the frame with four pegs, at the corners. The lower edges of the seat rails (which were sawn) have carved decoration; the rails double-pegged. The legs are joined at the base by four plain stretchers (single-pegged).

With a dark stain overall. The feet wormy.




1600-1720 (made)




Oak, joined, with carved and turned decoration


Brand under the seat. An owner's mark


Height: 53 cm, Width: 46 cm, Depth: 28 cm


Given by E. Peter Jones Esq. of Greenbank, Chester.
'worm-eaten: pieces of fret missing...Period of James I'
No further information about this stool on the acquisition papers.


English c.1600

Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)

H. Clifford Smith, Catalogue of English Furniture & Woodwork
(London 1930), cat. 553, Plate 17.
Dictionary of English Furniture (Country Life 1924-7, 2nd rev. ed. 1954, 3 vols. See entry for Desks p.205
Fred Roe, Old Oak Furniture (London, 1908), p.194
Charles Tracy, English Medieval Furniture and Woodwork (London, 1988), no. 314




Carved; Turned




Furniture and Woodwork Collection