Philip Clissett Arts & Crafts Ash Rush Seat Spindle Back Armchair, Herefordshire Circa 1890
Portsmouth, Southsea, United Kingdom
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Easy returns (14 days)
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£75 flat-fee return if you change your mind (UK mainland only)
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Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Ash
Style
Antique, Traditional, Victorian
Product Details
Description
Philip Clissett Arts & Crafts Ash Rush Seat Spindle Back Armchair, Herefordshire Circa 1890
An authentic late nineteenth-century armchair by the distinguished Herefordshire chairmaker Philip Clissett, whose work came to embody the spirit of traditional English craftsmanship admired by the Arts & Crafts movement.
Crafted in ash and retaining its original rush seat, this elegant spindle-back armchair reflects the enduring vernacular chairmaking traditions of rural England. Clissett’s chairs, produced in the village of Bosbury, became widely appreciated during the late nineteenth century for their honest construction, restrained design and practical comfort.
Key Features
• Authentic Philip Clissett armchair
• Ash frame with traditional rush seat
• Stamped “PC” maker’s mark to the rear uprights
• Classic spindle-back form associated with English country chairmaking
• Elegant turned arms and gently shaped crest rail
• Fine example of late Victorian Arts & Crafts vernacular furniture
• Warm colour and attractive natural patina
• Circa 1890
Description
This charming Arts & Crafts period armchair represents the work of Philip Clissett, a celebrated country chairmaker whose work became closely associated with the revival of traditional craftsmanship during the late nineteenth century.
Working from his workshop in Bosbury, Herefordshire, Clissett produced rush-seated chairs using established woodland chairmaking techniques that had changed little for generations. At a time when industrial furniture production was becoming widespread, designers associated with the Arts & Crafts movement admired his work for its authenticity and connection to rural craft traditions.
Constructed in ash — a timber long favoured by chairmakers for its strength and flexibility — the chair features a graceful spindle back beneath a gently curved crest rail. The turned arms sweep forward and terminate in slender posts, while a series of stretchers strengthen the frame below.
The rush seat remains in good condition and provides both comfort and visual warmth, complementing the mellow tones of the ash. The overall design is light yet sturdy, reflecting the practical requirements of traditional country furniture while maintaining a quiet elegance.
Both sculptural and functional, this armchair would sit comfortably within a country house interior, an Arts & Crafts setting, or a more contemporary space where natural materials and historic craftsmanship are appreciated.
Dimensions
Height: 104.5 cm
Width: 55 cm
Depth: 57 cm
Materials
Ash
Rush seat
Turned spindle construction
Hand-assembled frame
Condition
Very good antique condition with light, age-related wear consistent with use. The ash frame displays a pleasing natural patina and the rush seat remains sound and presentable. Structurally sturdy.
Origin & Period
Herefordshire, England
Circa 1890
Late Victorian / Arts & Crafts period
Styling Notes
With its light frame and natural materials, this chair works particularly well as a fireside seat, desk chair or accent piece. The simplicity of the design allows it to complement both traditional interiors and more contemporary settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the chair stamped by the maker?
Yes. The top of each rear upright is stamped with the initials “PC”, identifying the chair as the work of Philip Clissett.
Why are Philip Clissett chairs sought after?
Clissett’s chairs are admired for their authentic connection to English vernacular craft traditions and their association with the ideals of the Arts & Crafts movement.
Highlights
• Genuine Philip Clissett example
• Stamped maker’s mark
• Late Victorian Arts & Crafts period
• Traditional ash and rush construction
• Elegant and practical English country chair
• Attractive natural patina
Condition report:
Very good antique condition with light, age-related wear consistent with use. The ash frame displays a pleasing natural patina and the rush seat remains sound and presentable. Structurally sturdy.
Additional dimensions information:
Seat height 37 cm
Wear Condition
Good
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
We are based on the south coast PO5 and on average our dispatch and delivery time takes less than a week. For example we go to London & the home counties twice a week. We always use dedicated furniture specialist to carefully handle and move large pieces around the country, some locations may take two weeks. Parts of Scotland usually take just over two weeks. Small items that are safe to package and ship via Parcelforce can take 2-4 days, this does depending on the time of week you order, i.e. if you order on a Friday the item wont leave until Monday. Rest assured we start the delivery process the day we receive your order, or the next day if order later in the day or evening. If you need to delay a delivery due to personal reasons, moving in to a new property or away on holiday, we can help with this as well.
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 7 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
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You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
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But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
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6. What happens next
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Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
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Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
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What your service fee covers
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14-day return guarantee
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Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
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Seller vetting
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Dedicated customer support
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| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
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| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
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| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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