John Fletcher’s Study Chair

John Fletcher’s Study Chair
John Fletcher’s Study Chair

1600-1650 / Furniture / John Wesley's House / Leather / Ministers, Preachers & Associates / Wood / Woodwork
Oak, leather, metal
Probably early to mid 1600s

This armchair belonged to John Fletcher (1729-1785). Fletcher was a gifted preacher, writer and friend of John Wesley. Many contemporaries regarded him as an example of John Wesley's teachings of Christian Perfection and the possible successor to Wesley.

The chair dates to the 1600s and its style is derived from Spanish furniture. Its studded and embossed black leather upholstery is original. It is interesting that Fletcher should have used a study chair of this age. It would indicate that he had 'antiquarian' interests, i.e. an interest in the past.

The chair bears a 19th century museum label set into the leather backrest.