£450.00
A wonderfully unusual and increasingly rare French roofer's wooden roof seat, or sellette de couvreur, dating from the late 18th or early 19th century.
Rare French Vernacular Wooden Book Stand, Former Roofer’s Seat, Circa 1800
A wonderfully unusual and increasingly rare French roofer's wooden roof seat, or sellette de couvreur, dating from the late 18th or early 19th century.
A fascinating piece of early French vernacular working history, this ingenious piece of equipment was made for use by a traditional roofer working upon the steeply pitched roofs of French buildings.
Constructed predominantly from solid timber with a substantial hand-forged iron hook and support mechanism, the seat was designed to provide the roofer with a temporary resting position while working high upon a roof.
The long curved iron hook extended behind the wooden frame and enabled the apparatus to be secured over or towards the ridge of the roof, while the shaped wooden platform provided a small but invaluable seat upon which the craftsman could rest.
Such equipment belonged to an era long before modern scaffolding, mechanical access platforms and contemporary fall-protection systems transformed the roofing trade. Period French descriptions of the roofer's craft record the use of a “sellette”, or small seat, by roofers working at height, providing fascinating historical context for this remarkable survivor.
The construction is wonderfully primitive and entirely functional.
Two substantial wooden uprights form the main frame, joined by horizontal members and secured using traditional joinery and early fixings. The shaped seat projects from the lower section, while the long, heavily oxidised wrought-iron hook rises dramatically behind the frame.
There is no unnecessary ornamentation. Every component appears to have been conceived around strength, portability and practical use.
The result, more than two centuries later, is an extraordinarily sculptural piece of French folk and vernacular history.
Circa 1800
France
Wood
Wrought iron
Although originally an occupational tool, today the wonderful angle and construction of the seat lend themselves perfectly to an entirely different purpose.
We particularly love it repurposed as an antique book rest or cookbook stand.
Placed on a kitchen island or worktop with a favourite cookbook opened across the original wooden seat, it becomes an exceptionally unusual piece of functional kitchen decoration.
It would work equally well as a display stand for an antique book, artist's folio, menu, framed artwork or other treasured object, particularly within a country-house, farmhouse or rustic interior.
Its architectural silhouette also means that it is sufficiently interesting to be displayed simply as an object in its own right.
Importantly, the original historic structure has not been altered to accommodate its new decorative use.
We have simply made a small removable wooden block for the end of the iron hook. This allows the stand to be positioned on a worktop or table without the historic iron spike marking the surface beneath.
The block can simply be removed and does not form part of the original object.
This is one of those wonderful pieces where the story behind the object is every bit as interesting as its appearance.
Originally made as a practical piece of equipment for a French roofer, it would have accompanied a craftsman onto the roof and provided somewhere to sit and rest during what must have been extraordinarily physical and precarious work.
It is fascinating to consider that something now so sculptural began life as nothing more than a working tool.
The construction tells that story beautifully: the heavy old timber, straightforward joinery, iron fittings, extensive wear and wonderfully primitive hand-forged hook are all exactly what we look for in genuine vernacular antiques.
We have deliberately done very little to it.
The timber has been carefully cleaned and waxed, preserving the numerous marks, knocks, old repairs, surface variation and wear accumulated throughout its working life. This particular example has at some point historically received a darker stained or coloured wax finish, which has mellowed beautifully with age.
We particularly like the idea of using it in a country kitchen as a cookbook stand. It is far more interesting than a newly made book rest and provides a wonderful talking point when its original purpose is revealed.
We currently have two examples available, each with its own individual character. This example has the warmer, darker stained finish, while the second retains a lighter, more natural timber surface.
A rare survivor of an old French trade and a wonderfully characterful example of how genuine utilitarian antiques can be incorporated into contemporary interiors.
Presented in very good condition considering its considerable age and original utilitarian purpose.
The piece displays extensive historic wear consistent with many years of practical use, including old knocks, scratches, dents, staining, surface marks, minor losses, old fixing holes and general irregularities throughout the timber.
The timber has acquired a wonderfully rich and varied surface. This example appears to have been stained or treated with a darker coloured wax at some point historically.
The wrought-iron hook and fittings retain substantial age-related oxidation, pitting and surface variation.
The piece has been sympathetically cleaned and waxed by us, deliberately retaining its historic surface, patination and evidence of use.
Please note: the small wooden block fitted beneath the end of the wrought-iron hook is a sympathetic modern addition made by Shackleton Fox. It has been added solely to protect tables and worktops when the piece is displayed or repurposed as a book or cookbook stand. It is removable and no alteration has been made to the historic ironwork.
Its wear and irregularities are considered an important part of the object's history and character rather than defects.
Please study all photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition report.
Height: 44 cm / 17.32 inches
Width: 37 cm / 14.57 inches
Depth: 60 cm / 23.62 inches
Weight: 3.3 kg / 7.28 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.
