Furniture: M0099

Title

Samuel Phelps's Reading Chair

Technique

Wood

Subject

Phelps, Samuel

Dimensions

Height: 95.5cm
Width: 70cm
Depth: 107cm

Other materials

Wood, leather upholstery, with brass fittings

Inscription/signature

"THIS ARMCHAIR WITH FITTINGS WAS ONCE / THE PROPERTY OF / SAMUEL PHELPS / AND WAS BEQUEATHED TO THE GARRICK CLUB / BY WILLIAM E GOODAIR ESQ" (engr. on brass plaque)

Provenance

Bequeathed to the Garrick Club by William Goodair Esq

Samuel Phelps' library chair has an adjustable book rest. The chair back is hinged to the seat allowing it to recline. A letter from the donor now held in the club archive, recalls how Phelps was accustomed to rehearse his parts in the chair by day, and relax in the reclined chair after a performance.