What Is the Style of Duncan Phyfe Chairs?

Duncan Phyfe emigrated from Scotland to the United States and by 1791 had settled in New York City, where he established a large furniture-making studio. Wealthy New York patrons appreciated his neo-classical styling reminiscent of grand European designs and his ability to blend contemporary design with that of the past. The look was simple yet decorative in tribute to the ancients. His furniture was carved primarily of mahogany. Phyfe rarely signed his completed furniture, letting the design and quality of construction become his calling card. Imitators quickly seized on Phyfe's styling, and reproductions were as sought after as the originals. Does this Spark an idea?

Chair Backs

The most prominent indicator of a Duncan Phyfe design is the chair back. Phyfe often carved the classical form of the harp or lute and placed it in the center of his open chair back. Not limiting his output to these design forms, Phyfe also placed a single X-shape or a series of crossbars into the chair back or a parallel set of bars with a medallion in the center. Simplicity of style and an open look are the defining elements of a Phyfe chair back.

Chair Arms

When he used chair arms, Phyfe's designs featured gently sloped arms reaching from the chair back down to the seat posts. The arms were narrowly carved and did not overwhelm the design of the chair. Other Phyfe styles included an arm that extended into a scrolling swirl tucked underneath. The turning of the wood was simple and lacked ornamentation.

Chair Legs

Rarely did Phyfe move away from the simply flared chair leg that became one of his hallmarks. At times a crossbar was used on side chairs to add stability to his more delicate designs. On some of his chair legs Phyfe turned the wood at the top of the leg, where it joined the arm, into a narrowly carved connecting piece. This illusion defied the weight that the chair often carried.

Chair Seat

Upholstery is the primary composition of a Phyfe chair seat. Occasional chairs have simple caned seats. The seats are either square- or horseshoe-shaped, and the fabric lacks ornamentation, such as nail heads or fringe.

Other Identifying Duncan Phyfe Trademarks

A Duncan Phyfe chair is handmade using no hardware such as nails or metal connecting parts. It is made totally of wood. Phyfe worked mainly in mahogany, but pieces constructed of pine and cherry also were produced in the Phyfe studio. The neo-classical style, which is most often attributed to a Duncan Phyfe piece of furniture, gave way to other more elaborate stylings later in Phyfe's career, but the traditional Duncan Phyfe chair is noted for its clean lines and the simplicity of its construction.