A Virtuoso Mid-Victorian Hand-Carved Stool in Bennison ‘Paradise’ Linen

An exceptionally fine mid-19th-century stool of circular form, showcasing the pinnacle of British Victorian carving. The frame is a masterpiece of high-relief naturalism, featuring four robustly carved legs that sweep into scrolled feet, united by an intricate apron of acanthus leaves and harvested fruits. This sculptural base has been expertly paired with Bennison’s ‘Paradise’—a hand-printed linen that mirrors the exoticism and botanical splendour of the timber.

High Victorian, circa 1860.

This stool dates to the mid-Victorian era, a period defined by the "Naturalistic" movement where cabinet makers sought to outdo nature itself through woodcraft. The carving is deeply undercut, a technique requiring immense skill to create shadows and depth. The inclusion of the acanthus leaf—a motif dating back to ancient Greece—blended with the abundance of fruits reflects the Victorian obsession with neoclassical roots and contemporary prosperity.

Bennison’s ‘Paradise’ is one of the most celebrated designs in the Bennison archive. Based on an 18th-century original, it features a hauntingly beautiful Chinoiserie-inspired scene of exotic birds perched amidst flowering branches. The choice of 'Paradise' for this stool is an intentional nod to the 19th-century "Winter Garden" aesthetic, where the indoors were transformed into lush, botanical sanctuaries.

Dealer’s Comments

"In the trade, we often talk about 'scale vs. impact.' While this stool is compact, its visual weight is equivalent to a much larger piece of furniture. The way the scrolled feet anchor the ornate apron is incredibly satisfying—it has a muscularity that is softened by the delicate birds of the Bennison 'Paradise' linen. It is the perfect 'perch' for a library or an elegant dressing room. To find a four-legged variant with this level of continuous carving is quite rare; it is a true collector’s gem."

Condition Report

The stool is presented in exemplary condition. The frame is solid with all four legs sitting perfectly flush. The carving remains crisp. The upholstery is entirely new to provide a firm, elegant crown. The Bennison 'Paradise' fabric is pristine and expertly centered to highlight the bird motif.

Measurement

Height:            22 cm /     8.7 inch

Width:             31 cm /     12.2 inch

Depth:             35 cm /     13.8 inch

Weight:           3.1 k.g. /    6.8 lbs