19th Century English Beech Ladder-Back Bench with Horsehair Seat
A beautifully authentic late 19th-century English ladder-back bench, crafted in solid beech with a traditionally upholstered horsehair seat. Rich in vernacular charm, this piece embodies the honest craftsmanship and restrained elegance of English country furniture.
Key Features
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Late 19th-century English ladder-back bench
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Solid beechwood construction with warm, aged patina
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Distinctive waved ladder-back slats
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Traditionally upholstered horsehair seat with linen cover
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Gently swept arms with turned supports
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Strong cross and side stretcher construction for durability
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Two-seater proportions with tall supportive back
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Ideal for hallways, cottages, and country interiors
Full Description
This late 19th-century English ladder-back bench is a fine and honest example of vernacular country furniture, showcasing traditional craftsmanship, regional character, and enduring materials. Constructed in solid beech, the frame displays a soft, naturally aged patina that only time and use can create.
The defining feature of this bench lies in its waved ladder-back slats, a hallmark of regional English seating design, offering both visual interest and structural strength. The gently swept arms give the bench a relaxed and welcoming silhouette, while the slim turned uprights add a subtle note of refinement without detracting from its country simplicity.
The seat is traditionally upholstered using natural horsehair stuffing, a material prized historically for its resilience, breathability, and comfort. Finished in linen upholstery, the seat complements the honeyed tones of the beech frame and reinforces the bench’s authentic period character. Beneath, strong cross and side stretcher supports provide excellent rigidity, ensuring this piece remains both functional and robust.
With its tall back and compact two-seater proportions, this bench works beautifully in entrance halls, along corridors, beside dining tables, or within cottage and country house interiors. It offers a balance of practicality, comfort, and decorative presence, making it a versatile addition to a range of interior settings.
Dimensions
Height: 112.5 cm
Width: 108 cm
Depth: 60 cm
Seat Height: 45 cm
Materials
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Solid beechwood frame
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Traditional horsehair seat stuffing
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Linen upholstery
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Turned wooden supports
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Hand-assembled stretcher construction
Condition
As with all antique pieces, this bench has lived a full life and shows signs of natural ageing and use. Expect age-related wear, surface marks, and gentle fading, all of which contribute to its character and authenticity. Overall condition is good and entirely commensurate with its late 19th-century origin. Structurally sound, new linen upholstery and ready for continued use.
Origin / Period
Period: Late 19th Century, circa 1870s–1880s
Provenance: Possibly Yorkshire or Lancashire, England
Styling Suggestions
This ladder-back bench is ideal for placing in an entrance hall beneath artwork or alongside antique hooks. It also works beautifully as occasional seating in a dining room or as a characterful accent piece in a cottage or farmhouse interior. Pair with natural textiles, rush baskets, or painted panelling for a cohesive country look.
FAQ
Q: Is the seat original?
A: The seat is traditionally constructed using horsehair and linen (new), consistent with period upholstery methods.
Q: Can this bench be used daily?
A: Yes, the solid beech frame and stretcher construction make it suitable for regular use.
Q: Has the bench been restored?
A: The bench remains largely in original condition, with sympathetic care only to preserve its integrity with the added benefit of a new linen cover.
Unique Points
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Authentic English vernacular furniture
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Traditional horsehair upholstery
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Regional waved ladder-back design
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Solid beech construction with original patina
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Ideal blend of decorative and functional seating
All your questions answered below...
- Fully insured delivery
- Returns accepted
- Authenticity assured
- UK-based seller, secure checkout
Delivery & Shipping Information
We’re dedicated to delivering every order with care, reliability, and your satisfaction at the heart of what we do.
Fully insured UK mainland delivery is calculated at checkout (typically £12–£45). Larger furniture items may be £60+ depending on item size, access, and delivery postcode.
Please note: the listed price is for the item only. Delivery costs are calculated separately at checkout.
UK Delivery (Mainland)
We are based in Southsea, Portsmouth (PO5) and deliver nationwide across the UK.
Delivery charges are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and destination to ensure the most accurate and fair pricing.
Free local delivery may be available depending on your location — please get in touch to check availability.
Delivery Areas & Coverage
We deliver to most UK regions and aim to provide the most efficient and cost-effective delivery options available.
For delivery addresses north of Newcastle, or within Wales, Scotland, the Highlands, Ireland, and offshore islands, please contact us before purchasing so we can confirm delivery availability and provide an accurate quote.
International Shipping
We can arrange international shipping worldwide.
Please contact us for a tailored shipping quote.
Delivery Times & Method
Delivery typically takes 5–10 working days, depending on location and order timing.
We use trusted specialist furniture couriers experienced in transporting antiques, vintage furniture, and fragile items, ensuring safe handling throughout transit.
Standard delivery is one-man delivery to ground floor only.
Assistance may be required unless a two-man delivery service is arranged at an additional cost.
Need a Delivery Quote?
For an accurate delivery quote or to confirm any additional charges, please contact us via:
📞 +44 (0) 7973 154860
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✉️ Email us with your full delivery postcode
We can ship to most places. We have the ability to to send consignments Internationally and they are all professionally wrapped, packed and or crated for a safe and successful journey.
There is going to be additional costs and lead times depending on various factors.
The best advice is to get a quote before you decide to purchase any item/s.
Listed in every product description are the dimensions for each product.
This information is provided so you can check if the piece you wish to buy will fit in your home.
Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Any questions please get in touch, here to help.
If you would like to speak to someone before placing an order, check dimensions or have a general question, please call Mark on 07973 154860.
You can email mark (@) campbellvintage.co.uk
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Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
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Our products come with a guarantee stating they are as described when purchased.
As all our products are either antiques or vintage and have a life before we got them, we do not offer traditional warranties due to the nature of the items and history.
Please inspect the many images we provide online to be sure you want the item offered before purchasing.
The condition of each product is noted on all products in the main description. Please read this so you are clear on what you are buying.
If you have any questions however small beforehand and to give yourself peace of mind, please make contact. As we are very happy to discuss anything in greater detail.
One last thing! Please double check your dimensions. One, to make sure it will fit through any doorway in to your home. Secondly, to make sure it fits in the space you want to place in it in. If in doubt, ring for help!
Here to help.
We hope you will be happy with your purchase. If for any reason you are unhappy, you may return the item/items to us within 14 days. Please notify us within 14 days.
You will need to arrange for the safe return of any item or items purchased. Please ensure the goods are returned in the same condition as sent to you.
You will be responsible for all return cost.
Once we have received your return, we will refund you the cost of the item/items, less any initial delivery and packaging costs, within 14 days.
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Trade sale. Sold as seen. No returns.