Rare pair of Arthur Simpson easy chairs

An excellent and rare pair (His & Hers) of oak framed & leather easy chairs; beautifully carved.

Designed and made by Arthur Simpson of Kendal; c1918, with slight variations in girth and

styling between the His & Hers. 

Sometimes known as the “ Tom Heron” chair, in view of the private unique commission that Tom and his wife Eulalie made c1918 for furniture (including chairs) for their home in Leeds. Tom Heron was, amongst other things, an art lover & entrepreneur,

textiles manufacturer (Crysede in Cornwall then later Cresta Silks in Welwyn Garden City), pacifist, socialist, non-conformist and leading member of the Leeds Art Club. Open scrolling arms with fading bead, typical of Simpson’s designs and a raked shaped for

comfort. Lovely chair back recurved bow shaped cresting rails with a central peak; the front legs terminating in octagonal spade feet. Leather hide seats and backs. 

A similar later c1920’s version (Model 8940 with a plain foot) is illustrated in

“ The Simpsons of Kendal” by Eleanor Davidson fig.65.

Further ref: Journal of the Decorative Arts Society No. 4 p35 where there is an archive photo of Tom &

Eulalie Heron, with Tom sitting on another Arthur Simpson chair; part of the larger 1918

commission.

“ The Beautiful Furniture of the Simpsons of Kendal” by Hugh Wright; several references.