British Campaign Mahogany “Knock-Down” Antique Armchair Johnstone & Jeanes

An extraordinary metamorphic armchair by the firm of Johnstone & Jeanes of London, this quality Campaign seating piece would almost certainly have been accompanied by a carrying case to ensure its safe transit, as most of these break-down chairs were designed to be brought out when needed and safely stored thereafter. By depressing small tabs behind either arm support, the upper arm is allowed to rotate back on a brass bolt while the support rotates forward to hang at the knee. Hinges inside of the back edge of the seat allow it to be raised and hinges inside of each joint of the legs allow them to fold inward in a concertina-action. The whole rests over original brass caster feet.

Generally these chairs would have leather cushions made for them, allowing the caning to be comfortable and enjoyable. The use of caning was an important part of the evolution of Campaign furniture, this light-weight and sturdy material making the mobility of the chair possible while lending great strength to the structure.

The front rail of the apron stamp is visible when you raise the seat.

Johnstone & Jeanes were cabinetmakers and upholsterers of some renown, their works held in both the Victoria & Albert Museum as well as the Royal Collection Trust. Founded originally as Johnstone Jupe & Co under John Johnstone and Robert Jupe, they moved to 67 New Bond Street in 1842 after Jupe’s death and traded as Johnstone & Jeanes from 1840 through 1880. They exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851, the International Exhibition of London in 1862 and the Paris Exhibition