The Orkney Chair
 

The Orkney chair originates from the islands of Orkney, which are 45 minutes north of the Scottish mainland.  The islands are rich in history, and nothing celebrates the uniqueness of the culture more than the Orkney chair

The Orkney Islands are cold year round with no native trees.  The people of Orkney fashioned their chairs of straw and oats that grow heartily on the islands.  Since building materials were scarce, they found ways to incorporate drift-wood that washed upon the shores.  

The first known Orkney chairs were made several hundred years ago and were made mostly from straw with four wood feet.  Eventually the chair changed into a pine seat and scrolled arms with just a woven back.  The present day Orkney chair owes its form to David Kirkness (1854-1936).   His design offered a woven seat, contoured back and arm for more comfort.   

There are four types of Orkney chairs: child’s, lady’s, standard and hooded.   In the late 1800’s, the chairs became very popular with the Scottish mainland middle class.   It is believed that Queen Mary once owned a chair by Kirkness.

Orkney chairs have remained true to form throughout the years.  Their beauty lies in their timeless design which makes them very valuable today.  It is no wonder that the Orkney Chairs were gifts fit for a queen.