CHAIRWOMAN'S REPORT. SITTING COMFORTABLYLY?

   This chair, with its well-stuffed arms and deep seat and padded back, is a typical example of a Howard chair.  This was the best- known firm who made upholstered furniture, easy chairs, sofas and stools from the 19C. and was patronised by the well-to-do in Edwardian days.    Many have lasted well and are still in circulation.  The chairs and sofas have always been known for the quality of their workmanship and materials used;  they were covered with distinctive strong basic cloth, the firm's initials were incised on the back legs or named plates were applied, and  a special feature was the deep down feather cushions both on the seat and behind at the back..   Americans and Australians who were adding 'status' libraries to their grand houses cottoned on to the name Howard and during the nineties paid vast sums for genuine Howard furniture - I  knew someone who did the re-upholstery with grand new damask fabric, and she said it took a man to do a lot of the work  as there were three and four seater library sofas which were incredibly heavy and needed a great deal of webbing and stretching to re-make.    They sold for many thousands and I see they still make a great deal on Ebay., but I've been warned that casters with the name Howard incised are sometimes switched on to other makes!