Cockfighting Chair
1900-1950 / B/W / John Wesley's House / Paper / Photograph
Photograph
c.1935-50
A photograph from the early to mid 1900s showing the 'cockfighting', or study, chair, in John Wesley's Study.
With broad armrests that form a yoke with the back rail and to which a collapsible reading desk is attached, this type of chair became known as a 'cockfighting' chair, because it was often illustrated in paintings and engravings of 18th century cockfights. Cockfights were a popular - if cruel and bloody - pastime in the 1700s and often took place in the backyards of inns and pubs.
See also the other images of Wesley's Study and this chair in the Online Collection.
c.1935-50
A photograph from the early to mid 1900s showing the 'cockfighting', or study, chair, in John Wesley's Study.
With broad armrests that form a yoke with the back rail and to which a collapsible reading desk is attached, this type of chair became known as a 'cockfighting' chair, because it was often illustrated in paintings and engravings of 18th century cockfights. Cockfights were a popular - if cruel and bloody - pastime in the 1700s and often took place in the backyards of inns and pubs.
See also the other images of Wesley's Study and this chair in the Online Collection.
