Antique Nantucket Decorated Folding Double Chair, circa 1920s

Antique Nantucket Decorated Folding Double Chair, circa 1920s, believed to be from a Nantucket Theater or the Steamship “Nobska.” A period double chair, built together in one frame, with slatted backs above folding slatted seats, raised on crossed reverse curved legs which also fold together. Decorated with later hand-painted Nantucket iconic images including a Steamship, Right Whale, image of the island, Brant Point and Sankaty Lighthouses, the Old Mill, North and South Church Towers, the Pacific Club and the Main Street Water Fountain, the Sconset Rotary, a Whale Ship, Bluefish, Striped Bass, Scallop Boat and shell, Surf Caster, the legend “Nantucket Island” and more.

The antique chair was purchased at a house sale around 1980 by the Nantucket artist Richard Peterson who then painted the decoration at that point. The chair has descended within the artist’s family and came directly out of his estate. His heir is not sure of the origin of the chair at that yard sale, but I know that such chairs were sold at that time that came off the island Steamship “Nobska” as well as others from the Sconset Casino and old Dreamland Theater.

The chairs are in very good condition except for an old chip off the back of one crest rail which has been repaired with a simple metal brace. The hand painting remains in mint condition. This is a truly unique piece of folk art, with a charming sense evokes the classic style of tourist illustration from much earlier in the century when the artist himself was young. A one of a kind gem.

Measures: 34 in H x 37-1/8 in W x 34 in Deep