Chair

This extremely rare piece of furniture was designed by the British architect, artist, and craftsman Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo. When the chair was first seen, its novel design caused a sensation. The elaborately carved back, with its organic, sinuous lines contrasted with British Arts and Crafts design of the period, which typically reflected gothic influence. More importantly, the floral and seaweed-like forms anticipated Art Nouveau by ten years, making this chair as the genesis of the movement.
Mackmurdo was a disciple of William Morris and a founder of the Century Guild, which comprised both artists and entrepreneurs. The guild strived to imbue objects found in the average home with beauty and artistry. This chair, one of five known to exist, was intended for the guild's own dining hall.