The Wilmington Sofa – Chestnut Brown

British Prime Minister 1742-1743

Our fabulous Wilmington Chesterfield is a more traditional ‘Chesterfield’ design and without doubt the aristrocrat of sofas.

The 1st Earl of Wilmington, more humbly known as Spencer Compton, led Britain for just short of 18 months. In 1742 he succeeded Sir Robert Walpole at the helm, however, it was an acrimonious tenure largely overshadowed by poor health. Compton’s illnesses gave his peers plenty of opportunity to overrule his leadership, and it was opportunity that wasn’t wasted. His name, however, strongly lives on today… the cities of Wilmington, Delaware; Wilmington, North Carolina and the towns of Wilmington, Massachusetts and Wilmington Vermont are named in his honour.

Arguably, though, his most famous reincarnation is our beautiful Wilmington Chesterfield. Crafted in anything from a Manner 1 to a Manner 4  (scroll down to our crafting menu for more information on our crafting manners), this Manner 3 pair of Chesterfields can be finished with either a buttoned, flat or cushioned seat.

This Wilmington brings an antique feel. Upholstered in the finest quality of russet leather, it’s hand dyed in a rich antique chestnut colour. The fully coil sprung seat, arms and back in this Manner 1 Chesterfield gives this seat not only an antique feel in appearance, but in comfort also. A layer of ginger fibre and horse tail replicates the crafting components of an 18th century piece and means that effectively it will stay solid and comfortable for over a century!

The client was so happy with this particular piece that she came back within 6 months for a matching Wilmington! A truly classic piece crafted in a truly classic method.