Accession Number

988.023

Description

One rattan side chair, the open woven pattern of the back attached between the two maple uprights, the wicker seat woven over a maple frame, the two front legs spanned with two decoratively turned stretchers, no visible manufacturer's label or stamp.

Narrative

This chair's association with the Dunsmuir family enhances its importance within Craigdarroch's Primary Collection. According to the 1909 Craigdarroch Auction catalogue, Mrs. Joan Olive Dunsmuir had many pieces of rattan furniture in Craigdarroch. Although there is no proof that this particular chair was ever used at Craigdarroch, chairs similar to it probably were.  

History of Use

This chair was given to the donor's friend, Harry G. Knight by Kathleen Humphreys (nee Dunsmuir, 1891-1941). She told Mr. Knight that the chair had come from the Castle. When the donation to Craigdarroch occurred in 1989, the donor stated that the castle mentioned was Craigdarroch, rather than Hatley Park. However, it seems likely that if that was true, the chair would also have been used at Burleith and Hatley Park, since Kathleen was only 17 when Joan Olive Dunsmuir died at Craigdarroch. Her parents, James and Laura Dunsmuir, must have owned it before she did.  

Mr. Knight gave the chair to the donor's parents sometime in 1960.

Date

circa 1885

Dimensions

87.5 x 41 x 41 cm

Material

Wood, maple; Cane

Technique

Woven