Rare Victorian Children’s Astley Cooper Deportment Surgeons / Posture Chair

Deportment chair, 1835

This deportment chair is also known as the Astley Cooper chair. It was the invention of Sir Astley Paston Cooper (1768-1841), a surgeon and anatomist. He developed it to correct faulty posture in children: the design of the chair forces children to sit on it correctly. Good posture meant keeping a straight back and upright head, and moving in a dignified and elegant way. It was considered very important, partly for medical reasons but also for discipline.

These chairs were often found in the corner of a Victorian classroom or nursery. When children were naughty it was seen as a good form of punishment. The child would be made to sit on the chair for a long period of time. It would have been quite uncomfortable and having a small seat there would not be space to fidget or slouch. They would have to stay in a bolt upright position, if not they would have fallen off

This one is in period condition, its circa 1840 and as original as they come, there is a fine example in the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum) much the same as this one

Dimensions:

Height 96cm seat height 52.5cm

Width 38cm legs, seat base 32cm

Depth 38cm legs seat base 32cm

Please note all measurements are taken at the widest point.

This item is available for collection from our Wimbledon warehouses

Condition:

Please view the very detailed pictures as they form part of the description around condition

Please note vintage period and original items such as leather seating will always have natural patina in the form of cracking creasing and wear, we recommend regular waxing to ensure no moisture is lost, also hand dyed leather is not recommended to sit in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time as it will dry out and fade.