A Victorian mahogany convalescence armchair by John Ward, London, late 19th century

The firm of John Ward, were initially based in Leicester Square in the early 19^th century. They produced sophisticated designs for adjustable invalid and ‘bath’ chairs. Their reputation spread, exhibiting at the 1851 Great Exhibition, and they became the chosen suppliers to those wealthy enough to afford their aids, usually made from quality mahogany and covered in expensive fabrics. Later in the 19^th century, their premises were on Tottenham Court Road – the London street famed for quality Victorian furniture makers and retailers. This is probably the period from which the chair here dates and when they became Royal Warrant holders to Queen Alexandra, George V and Queen Mary. For comparison see their ‘improved recumbent chair’ in the collection of the Science Museum, London (inv. no. A602841)