A hoop-back chair is a chair whose back is formed by a single continuous bow, or hoop, of bent wood rising from the seat, enclosing spindles or a pierced central splat. The term is most commonly used for Windsor chairs, but it is also applied to some eighteenth-century country and provincial chairs with an arched or rounded back frame.
The hoop-back Windsor became one of the classic forms of English country seating from the later eighteenth century onwards, made in great numbers in the Thames Valley and particularly around High Wycombe. Typically it has a saddled elm seat, turned beech or fruitwood legs joined by stretchers, and a bow of ash or yew bent with steam. Armchair versions add a separate horizontal arm bow, while side chairs omit the arms. Better examples feature a pierced wheel or fiddle-shaped splat, crinoline stretchers and yew wood throughout. Collectors look for strong, well-shaped hoops without splits, original legs that have not been shortened, a good colour and an even patina. Sets of hoop-back chairs are much sought for country kitchens and dining rooms around a farmhouse table.
