by Vincent Chicone
My reproduction is solid mahogany, with hand-carved details, brass tacks and casters, and red leather. The original of this one-of-a-kind reproduction tall easy chair (circa 1800-1810) sits in the library (book room) of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate (https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/tall-easy-chair). Some scholars suggest that the design was influenced by late 18th early 19th century English furniture designer Thomas Sheraton. The chair features carved reeding on the turned arms and front legs carved, reeding was popularized by Sheraton's publication The Cabinet-Maker and Upholsterer's Drawing Book. The chair has an unusually high back, which may indicate a ceremonial purpose, tradition holds it was used by Jefferson during his vice presidency.