£450.00
A wonderfully primitive and exceptionally unusual French roofer’s wooden seat, or sellette de couvreur, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century, circa 1800.
Originally conceived as a practical piece of working equipment rather than furniture, this ingenious wooden apparatus would have been used by a traditional roofer while working on steeply pitched roofs. Its long forged iron hook provided a means of securing the seat at roof level, allowing the craftsman to position himself while undertaking repairs and roofing work.
Rare French Vernacular Wooden Book Stand, Former Roofer’s Seat, Circa 1800
A wonderfully primitive and exceptionally unusual French roofer’s wooden seat, or sellette de couvreur, dating from the late 18th to early 19th century, circa 1800.
Originally conceived as a practical piece of working equipment rather than furniture, this ingenious wooden apparatus would have been used by a traditional roofer while working on steeply pitched roofs. Its long forged iron hook provided a means of securing the seat at roof level, allowing the craftsman to position himself while undertaking repairs and roofing work.
The survival of such an object is particularly evocative of a period when specialist tradesmen relied upon remarkably simple, individually made pieces of equipment. Contemporary historical sources document the sellette de couvreur as part of the traditional roofer's equipment, with 19th-century French-language dictionaries specifically recording the term.
Constructed principally from solid timber, the seat has a wonderfully simple A-frame form assembled using traditional joints, wooden pegs and early iron fixings.
A substantial hand-forged iron hook rises from the back of the frame and curves dramatically downwards. The contrast between the weathered pale timber and heavily oxidised iron gives the piece a particularly sculptural quality.
This example retains a much lighter, more natural wood finish than our other example. Rather than having acquired the darker stained appearance of its companion, the timber displays warm honey and pale golden tones, together with the knocks, abrasions, old nail holes, wear and irregularities accumulated during its working life.
The timber has been gently cleaned and waxed, preserving rather than disguising its wonderfully aged surface.
There are numerous historic woodworm holes visible throughout the timber. These are old and inactive and the piece has been treated as a precaution. We consider these historic marks very much part of the object's character and evidence of its considerable age.
The seat itself displays particularly attractive wear, including softened edges and a wonderfully textured surface consistent with many years of practical use.
Today, its original purpose gives this object enormous decorative appeal.
We particularly like it repurposed as an antique book rest or cookbook stand, as illustrated. Positioned on a kitchen worktop, large country-house kitchen table or console, it provides a wonderfully unexpected way of displaying an open cookbook, antique volume or decorative book.
It could equally be used as a display stand for artwork, menus, photographs or other objects, or simply enjoyed in its own right as an increasingly rare example of historic French vernacular craftsmanship.
Its combination of sculptural form, primitive construction and fascinating original function makes it especially appealing for country-house, farmhouse, rustic and collected interiors.
A small wooden protective block has been added by us beneath the end of the iron hook. This is a modern, removable protective addition only, designed to prevent the historic iron from marking a worktop or other interior surface when the piece is displayed. No attempt has been made to disguise this addition as original.
Very good condition considering its age and original utilitarian purpose.
The piece retains extensive historic wear, knocks, marks, surface variation, old ironwork and evidence of previous use. There are old inactive woodworm holes throughout the timber, which have been treated as a precaution. These are considered part of the character and history of the piece rather than detracting from it.
The timber has been sympathetically cleaned and waxed while retaining its natural aged appearance.
Please refer to the photographs as they form an important part of the condition and demonstrate the wonderful surface, construction and historic wear.
Origin: France
Date: Late 18th / early 19th century, circa 1800
Material: Wood and hand-forged iron
Original use: Roofer’s seat / sellette de couvreur
Measurements
Height: 47 cm / 18.5 inches
Width: 39 cm / 15.4 inches
Depth: 60 cm / 23.6 inches
Weight: 3.0 kg / 6.6 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
