David Munro Kirkness (1855–1936) | Gentleman’s Orkney Chair. | Kirkwall, Orkney, Circa 1896–1902.

“Although Kirkness’ workshop produced thousands of chairs over many years, almost all the original pasted labels have become detached and lost. This chair retains its original label”. - V&A museum London.

This Gentleman’s Orkney Chair was made by David Munro Kirkness at his workshop on Palace Street, Kirkwall, during the late nineteenth or very early twentieth century. Constructed in white deal (pine), it retains its original hand-woven oat-straw back, original solid wooden seat and, most importantly, its original printed David Munro Kirkness, Palace Street, Kirkwall trade label beneath the seat.

Research undertaken by 1923 Antiques has compared this chair with published institutional examples, including those held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, the University of St Andrews and the National Museum of Scotland. We have only found 3 in existence so far (ours being one of the three although we’re confident a few more will exist as David Kirknesd sold to royal families etc). 

Based on currently published information, only a small number of original Kirkness Gentleman’s Chairs retaining their trade labels have been publicly documented. As museums continue to catalogue and study their collections, that picture may develop further.

David Munro Kirkness (1855–1936) was born in Westray and served an apprenticeship with Kirkwall joiner John P. Peace.  He and his brother William set up as joiners and undertakers in 1880.  His first order for straw-backed chairs came from Miss Maud Balfour of Berstane House to be delivered to Lady Sinclair, Bara House, Caithness.  His order books are dominated by elite female customers and he regularly supplied his stock to the Scottish Home Industries Association for sale in Edinburgh and London and to Liberty & Co of Regent Street, London.  He exhibited at the Edinburgh International Exhibition of Science, Art and Industry in 1890 which generated orders that took years to fulfill.  The chairs found favour in Arts & Crafts circles.  Sir Robert Lorimer and his sister purchased two for the family home, Kellie Castle, Fife, in 1893. - National Museum Of Scotland.

We are delighted to have acquired this piece and having worked in Scotland for many years as a photographer (& getting engaged on the Isle of Mull!) Scotland has always been very special to me and is something we’re going to enjoy at home for a long time - Ed, owner of 1923 Antiques.

Pics of our Gentlemans Orkney chair by us.

Pics of a gentleman’s chair with paper label from the V&A London.

Pics from “Scottish Vernacular Furniture” by Bernard D. Cotton.

Worldwide shipping available, not included. Please enquire for a delivery quote before purchasing or arrange to collect from our London gallery.

If you have an Orkney chair retaining its original paper label, we’d love to hear from you, please email us.