Casgliadau Arlein

Back panel inscribed G N 1669 (for Gruffydd Nannau), edges presented to panel are moulded; horizontal moulding also on upper back rail which has plain shaped crest. Plain uprights are tapered prolongations of the legs. Arm shaped with large rounded terminals. Arm supports are prolongations of front legs, both have bobbin turning, seat rails (except back) have moulded and shaped aprons (piece broken off at front). Four moulded stretchers. Projecting foot-rest rounded at front and probably extended to rear legs.

High chairs were originally made without feeding trays and would have been used either at the same table as the parents or within the nursery.

This is an early example from Nannau, Merionnydd. It belonged to Gruffydd Nannau, whose initials are carved on the back with the date 1669. He was born in 1667 so it was probably made especially for him by the estate carpeneter. He was the fourth of that name who inherited the estate at the age of 8. He had the best education possible at Eton and Cambridge and he was admitted to Lincoln’s Inn (as his father had been) in 1685. This was important as it helped to ensure an understanding of the legal and financial operations of a landed estate. He died without issue in 1690, at the age of 23, the same year that he was made High Sheriff of Merioneth. (Miles Wynn Cato)