Getting to know the Voltaire armchairs

The name of the antique piece of furniture "Voltaire's armchair" does not reflect the history of its origin at all. And in general, this modification of the chair is called Voltaire's only in Russia, while in Europe it is called the “grandfather’s” chair or “winged chair”. Let's take a closer look at Voltaire's armchairs.

Such a model has a high back and "ears" on it, that is, parts wrapped forward. The furniture also has comfortable narrow armrests. Thanks to these design features, the chair retains heat well, for which it is very beloved by the elderly. Today, completely authentic products made according to ancient samples can be found on sale infrequently. And here modified variations based on the classic Voltaire armchair in various colors and textile solutions are common... They are especially popular in country houses with a fireplace, and this is no coincidence, because one of the names of this product is a fireplace.

This chair model first appeared in England in the 17th century. It was created for elderly family members, because they were the ones who felt most comfortable, leaning on a high soft back, a comfortable headrest and comfortable not very hard armrests. In addition, traditional English blankets, which were used to complement the composition, created maximum comfort for the elderly or the unhealthy. Due to the heat preservation, they were comfortable in the "grandfather's" armchair near the fireplace, so this model has strengthened its position in the fireplace halls, becoming absolutely irreplaceable. And even the famous Sherlock Holmes sat near the fireplace with Dr. Watson in just such "eared" chairs.

In Russia, this furniture appeared under Catherine II., and this is the time of the general "Voltaireanism" - the enthusiasm for the enlightened Russian minds with the creations of the French thinker Voltaire. Since in the last years of his life Voltaire was very ill, it was decided that it was in this chair that he spent most of his time (which is not confirmed by anything). So the "grandfather's" chair became "Voltaire's", which, of course, sounds much more solid.

It has become a status item, an obligatory attribute in the office of the head of a noble family. Before the start of the Russian-French war, the popularity of this model increased even more, it is even mentioned in literature, for example, in "War and Peace" by L. N. Tolstoy.

The Eared Chair comes in several different designs. It can be with a high back, tapering slightly towards the seat or forming a rectangular shape. Directly "ears" can be either very large, strongly protruded forward, or indicated by a slight bend. The back is low, and the chair itself is somewhat wider. Most often, in such models, the back is not narrowed, the seat is located slightly lower than usual, and the armrests are very narrow.

The frame can be decorated with carvings along the entire perimeter of the product, there can also be a wooden finish around the perimeter, most often contrasting (if the upholstery is light, then the finish will be made of dark wood). Very beautiful models with a carriage tie on the back and seat (or only on the back).The tie can be either supplemented with buttons or without them - any option looks impressive.

More modern modifications of the Voltaire chair have a semicircular back without corners, but with clearly cut "ears". Traditionally, such furniture stands on curved legs, but today “pouf” -type designers create options without them. The armrests may not be solid, but spaced apart, metal with upholstery or wooden. There are even glass models. Of course, this is more of an art object than a utilitarian object, but it shows that an antique armchair never ceases to haunt the minds of modern designers.

The highlight of this model is its original upholstery, which allows it to become an adornment of the most modern interior.

When you look at this photo, you can immediately hear the music from the Sherlock Holmes TV series from somewhere. It was in such a chair that the legendary detective according to the version of the Soviet director sat.

The blue and gold upholstery is both classic and fresh.

Another proof of the versatility of the "eared chair" - it is harmonious in any interior.

For information on how to make a Voltaire chair with your own hands, see the next video.