The Cabinet Maker's Sketch Book of Plain and Useful Designs 1820 - 1850

This is a page from *The Cabinet Maker's Sketch Book of Plain and Useful Designs* by Thomas King, active in the 19th century. These drawings provide a glimpse into the world of 19th-century furniture design and craftsmanship. During this period, furniture was not just functional; it was a reflection of social status and cultural values. The designs here speak to the era's emphasis on comfort and aesthetics. The chaise lounge or "Nelson Seats" as they are labelled, represents leisure and domesticity, particularly for women in the Victorian era. Consider how the chaise lounge provided a space for women to recline, read, or engage in needlework, activities that were often seen as markers of femininity and domestic virtue. These designs offer a tangible link to the past, inviting us to reflect on how furniture shapes our daily lives, spaces and identities.