19th Century Library Armchair with Serpentine Back
A deeply comfortable 19th-century library armchair, distinguished by its serpentine back, open arms, and relaxed country house proportions. A chair designed for long afternoons, quiet reading, and lived-in elegance.
Key Features
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Authentic 19th-century open-arm library armchair
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Elegant serpentine back with flowing upholstered form
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Relaxed rake for exceptional comfort
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Turned front legs with swept rear legs
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Original ceramic castors to the front
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Solid hardwood frame with traditional construction
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Reupholstered in a rich, warm-toned fabric
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Traditional stud detailing to the lower edge
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Strong visual presence from all angles
Full Description
This 19th Century Library Armchair is a classic example of country house seating, combining generous proportions with understated decorative detail.
The chair is defined by its serpentine back, which creates a soft, flowing silhouette and transitions naturally into the open arms. The overall form has a laid-back rake, immediately signalling comfort and ease rather than formality — a characteristic feature of library and reading chairs from the period.
The solid hardwood frame is well-proportioned and traditionally constructed, standing on turned front legs with swept rear legs that enhance both stability and visual balance. Original ceramic castors to the front remain in place, offering both practicality and period authenticity.
The armchair has been reupholstered in a quality fabric in a warm red tone, giving it a welcoming presence while allowing the shape of the chair to take centre stage. The upholstery is clean and well-fitted, finished with traditional stud detailing along the lower edge.
Viewed from any angle, the chair displays confident proportions and a relaxed elegance, making it equally suited to a library, sitting room, or as a statement chair in a more contemporary interior. This is a piece that offers genuine comfort alongside timeless antique character.
Dimensions
Height: 87cm
Width: 75cm
Depth: 91cm
Seat Height: 37cm
(All measurements are approximate.)
Materials
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Solid hardwood frame
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Turned timber legs and arm supports
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Upholstered seat, back, and arms
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Quality replacement upholstery fabric
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Original ceramic castors to the front
Condition
This armchair shows honest signs of age, wear, and patina, consistent with a 19th-century piece that has been used and enjoyed. The frame is solid and secure. The upholstery is later, clean, and in very good condition. Overall condition is good and commensurate with age, retaining strong character without compromising usability.
(Ornaments or props shown are not included unless stated.)
Origin / Period
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Period: 19th Century
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Origin: English, in style and form
Styling Suggestions
Ideal for a reading corner, library, or beside a fireplace, this armchair pairs beautifully with antique bookcases, side tables, and floor lamps. Its warm upholstery also allows it to work as a contrasting statement piece within more neutral or contemporary interiors.
FAQ
Is the upholstery original?
No, the chair has been reupholstered at a later date in a quality fabric.
Are the castors original?
The front ceramic castors are original to the piece.
Is the chair suitable for everyday use?
Yes, the frame is solid and the chair is comfortable and stable for regular use.
Does the chair recline?
No, the relaxed rake is part of the original design rather than a mechanical function.
Unique Points
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Elegant serpentine back rarely found in library chairs
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Relaxed proportions designed for comfort
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Original ceramic castors retained
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Reupholstered and ready to place
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Strong decorative presence with everyday practicality
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
💬 WhatsApp (button available on any page)
✉️ 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
Alternatively you can use the Live Chat on our website
(bottom left hand corner), message us via WhatsApp or via our
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Office Address: 71 Campbell Road, Southsea, PO5 1RJ. By appointment only to this address. Need to be booked in advance.
Always here to help.
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.
Last of all, if returning an item, please advise us when we are likely to expect the item. We can then book this in and make sure we are available to except the item.
If you have any questions please contact us before ordering.
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Trade sale. Sold as seen. No returns.