This settle, which entered the collection of The Victoria & Albert Museum in 1970, was commissioned by W.J. Bassett-Lowke for the furnishing of 78 Derngate in 1916. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, it matches in style and appearance the dark finish and angular forms seen in his interior scheme for the Hall Lounge. The settle features a lattice work back and stepped oriental-inspired mouldings. The arms are in the form of stylised animal (possibly cat) paws. In 1917 Mackintosh designed a settle for The Dug-Out at The Willow Tea Rooms. This yellow-painted piece bears strong stylistic similarities to the 78 Derngate settle.
Professor Jake Kaner made a reproduction of the 78 Derngate settle in 2002 and this is currently displayed in the bay window of the Hall Lounge there on view to public visitors.
Clicking on the museum number link below will take you to the V&A website where further information may be available. All enquiries about usage of this image, access to the original work and information should be directed to The Victoria & Albert Museum.
Place of Origin: Isle of Man (probably, made)
Date: 1916 (made)
Artist/Maker: Mackintosh, Charles Rennie, born 1868 – died 1928 (designer)
Materials and Techniques: Painted wood, with fabric upholstery
Museum number: W.9-1970 [1989-2006]